Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71, Leaving a Legacy in Tampa Bay

Clearwater, Florida, USA - Wrestling fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike are mourning the loss of a true icon as WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, has passed away at the age of 71. Reports confirm that Hogan died at his home in Clearwater, Florida, after medics were called early in the morning for a „cardiac arrest.“ He was subsequently treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue and taken to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Hogan’s passing comes just weeks before his 72nd birthday, which would have been on August 11, 2025. His wife, Skye, mentioned that despite his health issues in recent times, his heart was „strong,“ refuting rumors about him being in a coma before his death Las Vegas Sun reports.

Hogan’s strong ties to the Tampa Bay area are well-documented. His cable television show „Thunder in Paradise,“ filmed in and around Tampa and St. Pete Beach in 1994, remains a notable part of local history. Even in his passing, Hogan leaves behind a legacy that resonates deeply within the community and the wrestling world as a whole ABC Action News mentions.

The Rise of a Wrestling Legend

Born in Georgia in 1953 to a construction foreman and a dance teacher, Hogan was inspired by wrestling legends like Dusty Rhodes and Superstar Billy Graham. His journey began when he was scouted in 1976, although he faced challenges, including a broken leg during training. Displaying remarkable resilience, Hogan made a comeback just ten weeks later and joined WWF full-time in 1983. His charisma and larger-than-life persona quickly made him a favorite among fans, and he captured his first WWF championship from the Iron Sheik in 1984 The Independent adds.

Hogan became synonymous with professional wrestling, sporting his iconic red and yellow costume. He headlined numerous WrestleManias, with a defining moment at WrestleMania III when he body-slammed the colossal Andre the Giant. His influence extended beyond the ring, making guest appearances in films like „Rocky III“ and starring in family-friendly films such as „Suburban Commando“ and „Mr. Nanny.“ In the mid-1990s, Hogan left WWF for WCW, contributing significantly to establishing it as a formidable competitor The Independent reports.

A Complex Legacy

Hogan’s career was not without controversy. In the 2010s, scandals involving a leaked sex tape and racist remarks led to his temporary severance from WWE. However, he made a comeback, being reinstated in 2018 and maintaining a working relationship with the organization for years to come. Recently, in 2024, Hogan even addressed the Republican National Convention, publicly supporting Donald Trump’s re-election campaign The Independent.

Hogan is survived by his children, Brooke and Nick, and his wife, Skye, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the landscape of professional wrestling into a multibillion-dollar industry. As the wrestling community remembers him, there’s no denying that Hulk Hogan defined an era and remains an indelible part of pop culture history ABC Action News confirms.