Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71 – WWE Fans, Legends, and the Entire Wrestling World React to the Death of an Icon
The wrestling world is in mourning.
Terry Bollea — forever known as Hulk Hogan — has passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest. The loss of the man who defined Hulkamania feels like the end of an era for every fan who ever believed in heroes.
From WWE to WCW, from red and yellow to black and white, Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler — he was the face of professional wrestling for over four decades.
The Immortal Legacy of Hulk Hogan – From Hulkamania to nWo
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a Superstar — he was professional wrestling. He sparked the global explosion of WWE in the 1980s, led the company through the first WrestleMania, slammed Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, and turned heel to create the game-changing New World Order in WCW.
Whether it was ripping his shirt off, pointing to the heavens, or leg-dropping his way to another victory, The Hulkster made every moment feel larger than life.
From Guitar Strings to Wrestling Rings – The Origin of Hulkamania
Before he became the Immortal One, Terry Bollea was just a Florida musician playing bass in a band called Ruckus. That all changed when he caught the attention of WWE legends Jack and Gerry Brisco. After enduring a brutal initiation under Hiro Matsuda (who broke Hogan’s leg to test his dedication), he came back stronger — and ready to change the wrestling world forever.
In 1979, he made his first WWE appearance. By 1984, he had defeated The Iron Sheik to win the WWE Championship and launch Hulkamania — a cultural movement that inspired millions of fans around the world to say their prayers and eat their vitamins.
The WWE Years: WrestleMania Headlines and Championship Gold
Hogan headlined the first eight WrestleManias, won the WWE Championship six times, and gave fans unforgettable moments — like teaming with Mr. T, battling Randy Savage, and facing The Rock at WrestleMania X8 in a generational dream match.
His charisma was unmatched. His entrance theme still gives goosebumps. Hogan wasn’t just the main event — he was the reason we tuned in.
WCW and the nWo: Hulk Hogan Reinvents Himself Again
In 1994, Hogan shocked the world by signing with WCW. But the real jaw-dropper came in 1996 when he turned heel at Bash at the Beach, joining Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form the nWo. The crowd went silent in disbelief — and wrestling history changed forever.
As “Hollywood” Hogan, he became a six-time WCW Champion and helped Nitro defeat WWE Raw in the ratings for 83 straight weeks.
Third WWE Run and Hall of Fame Induction
Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 as part of the nWo but quickly became a fan favorite again, especially after his showdown with The Rock at WrestleMania X8. That same year, he won his final WWE Championship from Triple H.
In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, with Sylvester Stallone doing the honors. He later hosted WrestleMania 30, sharing the ring with The Rock and Stone Cold in a truly legendary moment.
The Wrestling World Reacts to Hulk Hogan’s Death
As soon as news of Hogan’s passing broke, the entire wrestling world — from legends to current stars to celebrities — began paying tribute.
Here are just some of the heartfelt messages from those who knew and loved him:
💔 Wrestling Legends & Peers React
- Ric Flair: “He was always there for me… An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father. I’ll miss you, brother.”
- Brutus Beefcake: “I wish we had time to mend our friendship before your passing. I love you.”
- Triple H: “WWE would not be where it is today without Hulk Hogan.”
- The Undertaker: “His contributions are immeasurable.”
- Shawn Michaels: “He didn’t just work in this business — he transformed it.”
- Kurt Angle: “There would be no Kurt Angle without Hulk Hogan.”
- Jake Roberts: “His memory and legacy will live forever.”
💬 More Reactions from Wrestlers & Celebrities
- Kevin Nash: “NWO 4 Life… and beyond.”
- Sting: “Can’t thank you enough. I loved you and I will miss you.”
- The Miz: “He made you want to be bold, loud, confident.”
- John Layfield: “There will never be another. Hulkamania never dies.”
- The Rock, Stone Cold, and countless others have expressed shock, love, and gratitude.
🇺🇸 Public Figures Pay Tribute
- Donald Trump Jr.: “RIP to a legend.”
- Piers Morgan: “The most iconic wrestler in history — and a far gentler man in person.”
- Adrianne Curry: “He loved his daughter so much, it oozed from him.”
- Jake Paul: “Hulk Hogan brought WWE to the masses globally.”
🕊️ From WWE to AEW, from NWA to TNA — the outpouring of love is overwhelming. Fans, peers, and even political figures have honored Hogan as one of the greatest entertainers to ever live.
Hulk Hogan’s Legacy: The Ultimate WWE Superstar
No one embodied the term “Superstar” quite like Hulk Hogan. He didn’t just elevate WWE — he was WWE. From selling out stadiums to influencing every future wrestler, Hogan’s legacy is cemented as the blueprint for global wrestling stardom.
Whether it was “I am a real American” blaring through the speakers or “Hollywood” Hogan strutting to the ring, he gave us magic. He gave us belief. He gave us memories we’ll never forget.
Rest in Power, Hulkster
As WWE fans, this loss feels personal. We didn’t just watch him — we believed in him. And we’ll carry that spirit with us forever.
Thank you, Hulk Hogan. For everything.
Whatcha gonna do, brother, when the memories of Hulkamania run wild on you… forever?
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