Hulk Hogan, the legendary WWE World Champion known offstage as Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71 in Clearwater, Florida, after experiencing cardiac arrest. His passing triggered a wave of condolences from fans, fellow wrestlers, and Hollywood personalities worldwide, emphasizing his impact on sports entertainment.
Hogan’s family confirmed the news to media outlet Us Weekly but offered no further details. In recent years, Hogan had remained in the public eye as a WWE brand ambassador, maintaining his status as one of wrestling’s most recognizable figures.
Sylvester Stallone Remembers Hogan’s Impact on “Rocky III” and Beyond
Actor Sylvester Stallone, who starred with Hulk Hogan in the 1982 film Rocky III, paid tribute on Instagram, expressing deep sorrow over Hogan’s death. Stallone recalled their first meeting and Hogan’s contribution to the film’s success, highlighting his multidimensional talents.
I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone…
—Sylvester Stallone, Actor
This statement underscored Hogan’s ability to transcend wrestling and make a lasting impression in mainstream entertainment, showcasing both his charisma and skill.
Wrestling Star Ric Flair Shares Personal Reflections on Hogan’s Friendship
Ric Flair, a fellow wrestling icon and longtime colleague of Hogan, expressed profound grief after hearing the news. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Flair revealed the depth of their decades-long friendship, recounting Hogan’s loyalty and support during health struggles and personal challenges.
I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!
—Ric Flair, Professional Wrestler
Flair’s tribute emphasized Hogan’s significance not only as an athlete but as a devoted friend and family man, reflecting the personal connections that extended well beyond the wrestling ring.
Concerns Raised Over Hogan’s Health in His Final Weeks
In the days leading up to his death, Hulk Hogan’s health became a source of worry among fans after he appeared frail during a television appearance. On May 15, a spokesperson reassured the public that Hogan was recovering from a minor neck fusion surgery. His last confirmed public event involved a photo with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis later that month.
Despite assurances, speculation intensified when radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge suggested Hogan was critically ill and that family members had been summoned for goodbyes. Hogan’s representative promptly dismissed these claims, confirming that he remained in stable condition at the time.
Just weeks after these rumors, Hogan unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind a powerful legacy that shaped the foundation of WWE and popular sports entertainment globally.
Remembering Hulk Hogan’s Enduring Influence
Hulk Hogan’s death marks the loss of a trailblazer whose influence spanned wrestling, television, and film. His career set a standard for performance and showmanship, inspiring generations of wrestlers and fans alike. The heartfelt tributes from figures like Sylvester Stallone and Ric Flair highlight the respect Hogan garnered both professionally and personally.
As the wrestling community and fans continue to mourn, Hogan’s legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the indelible mark he left on sports entertainment history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Sylvester Stallone in the military?
A. Sylvester Stallone has not been in the military. While he was a student in 1969, he qualified for the draft but was excused due to claimed partial facial paralysis.
