Hulk Hogan hangs up the bandana: farewell to a wrestling icon

The wrestling world has lost one of its greatest pillars. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away on July 24 at age 71. According to the New York Post, the wrestler suffered cardiac arrest at his Clearwater residence. His passing marks the definitive end of a golden era in sports entertainment, but his legacy is etched into the cultural memory of millions who once shouted, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”

Since debuting in the WWF in 1979, Hulk Hogan turned the ring into a global stage. His towering physique, signature yellow bandana, raised biceps, and explosive energy made him the ultimate face of wrestling in the 1980s and ’90s. He headlined multiple editions of WrestleMania, and his iconic heel turn alongside Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to form the nWo in WCW redefined villainy and rewrote the rules of the game.

A pop icon beyond the ring

Outside the squared circle, Hulk Hogan became a pop culture figure. He appeared in films like Rocky III, starred in TV shows like Thunder in Paradise, and led his own reality series Hogan Knows Best. These ventures made him globally recognizable. In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and again in 2020 as part of the legendary New World Order.

But Hulk Hogan wasn’t just about spectacle. His persona embodied strength, resilience, and a cartoonish brand of heroism. He was the figure who helped professional wrestling leap into the international spotlight, inspiring millions of kids around the world—not just as the man who beat giants, but as the one who never gave up.

Declining health

Hulk Hogan had been battling serious health issues, especially involving his back and neck. In June, he underwent a four-level cervical fusion surgery (ACDF)—a complex procedure that impacted his spine, vocal cords, and respiratory system.

However, Hulk Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, publicly denied rumors that he was in a coma or in critical condition. She assured fans that his heart was “strong” and that he was recovering steadily.

 

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Over the years, Hulk Hogan endured more than 25 surgeries, including knee and hip replacements and multiple spinal operations. These injuries were the direct result of decades of physical punishment in the ring.

Final appearance

Hulk Hogan’s last WWE appearance came in January 2025, during the Netflix debut of Monday Night Raw in Inglewood, California. Although met with boos from the crowd, Hogan remained active, promoting his new wrestling venture, Real American Freestyle, alongside Eric Bischoff. The company’s first event was scheduled for August 30, proving that even in his final months, Hulk Hogan was still betting on the spectacle.

Though his health had declined, Hulk Hogan never stopped embodying the fighting spirit that made him a legend. He is survived by his wife, Sky Daily. And his children Brooke and Nick, who were by his side in his final years.

Social media has flooded with tributes—from veteran wrestlers to anonymous fans. The death of Hulk Hogan marks the end of a chapter, but his legacy will live far beyond the ring.