Hulk Hogan, professional wrestling mainstay and pop‑culture figure, dies at 71

World Wrestling Entertainment said it is “saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” describing him as “one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures” who “helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.” The statement ended: “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan was 71.

From Terry Bollea to Hulk Hogan: the rise of a headliner

Born Terry Bollea in 1953, Hogan joined the then‑World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1979, departing in 1981 before returning to headline the first WrestleMania at New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1985. Teaming with Mr. T, Hogan defeated Paul Orndorff and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper in the main event, cementing his crossover appeal at the height of the 1980s wrestling boom.

Beyond the ring: films and television

Through the 1990s, Hogan’s popularity extended beyond wrestling. He fronted films such as Mr. Nanny and Suburban Commando, then later moved into reality television, maintaining his status as a widely recognizable entertainment figure.

Hogan entered the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, and was inducted again in 2020 as part of the New World Order (nWo). In 2015, however, WWE terminated his contract and removed him from the Hall of Fame after a tape emerged of him using a racist slur. The company reinstated him in 2018, saying he deserved a second chance — a decision that drew pushback from several performers. Members of The New Day and Titus O’Neil said it would be “difficult to simply forget” what Hogan had said.

In recent years, Hogan appeared at Donald Trump rallies and on the 2024 U.S. election campaign trail. His latest WWE appearance on Monday Night Raw to promote his beer brand drew boos from the crowd, highlighting a complicated late-career relationship with parts of the fanbase.

Legacy: a defining — and divisive—figure in wrestling history

Hulk Hogan’s role in taking professional wrestling into mainstream culture in the 1980s is undisputed. This is reflected in WWE’s description of him as “one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures.”

His career faced controversy, including his 2015 removal from WWE programming and ongoing criticism from talent upon his return.

Key career milestones

• 1953: Born Terry Bollea.
• 1979: Debuts in WWF (now WWE).
• 1985: Headlines the inaugural WrestleMania alongside Mr. T.
• 1990s: Expands into film and reality TV.
• 2005: Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
• 2015: Removed from the Hall of Fame after racist remarks surface.
• 2018: Reinstated by WWE.
• 2020: Inducted again as a member of the nWo.
• 2024: Appears at Trump rallies; booed on WWE Raw while promoting his beer brand.
• 2025: Death confirmed by WWE at the age of 71.

MMI