WWE icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71.
The news was first reported by TMZ on Thursday, July 24. WWE confirmed the news.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company said in a statement. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan’s death is the latest in a string of high-profile celebrity losses, coming just days after actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner — known for his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died at 54 on July 20, and rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, died at 76 on July 22.
Who is Hulk Hogan?
The death of Hogan, whose legal name is Terry Bollea, comes days after rumors circulated on social media regarding his health. Hogan’s close friend Jimmy Hart said on July 22 he was “doing phenomenal.”
Hogan was influential in the rise of wrestling worldwide and was WWE’s first major star. After a brief stint in WWE in the late 1970s, he re-joined the company in 1983 after Vince McMahon took ownership of the business. Then, “Hulkamania” ran wild as he soon became the most popular star in the company, and arguably all of wrestling. His All-American persona, along with his hero-like abilities, made fans cheer for him, and he was one of the first wrestlers to have a larger-than-life feel.
He was a six-time WWE Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, once in 2005 and 2020 as part of the New World Order.
He made his last appearance for WWE in January at the Netflix debut of Monday Night Raw in Inglewood, California.
Hulk Hogan toured Texas recently to showcase his Real American Beer
Just months before his death, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan made several high-profile stops across Texas to promote his Real American Beer, drawing enthusiastic crowds of hundreds at liquor and grocery stores in Midland, Lubbock, Kyle and Austin.
Known for his larger-than-life persona and iconic “Real American” theme, Hogan’s connection with Texas fans runs deep — the Lone Star State has long been a key part of his touring circuit and fan base, where his blend of showmanship and patriotism made him a lasting favorite for decades.
Hulk Hogan’s biggest highlights in Texas
One of Hogan’s most unforgettable Texas moments came Dec. 3, 1991, at “This Tuesday in Texas,” a WWF pay-per-view event held at San Antonio’s Freeman Coliseum. The night was charged with tension as Hogan faced The Undertaker in a dramatic rematch for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
After losing the title controversially just six days earlier at “Survivor Series,” Hogan reclaimed it amid interference and controversy — a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy and remains a landmark in Texas wrestling history.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: WWE wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dead at 71, just months after touring Texas
Reporting by Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
