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WWE legend Hulk Hogan dead at 71
According to TMZ, emergency responders were dispatched following a 911 call placed for cardiac arrest. Hogan was taken to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead. His wife, Sky Hogan, and family members have not issued a formal statement yet.
Just days earlier, Hogan's longtime friend and manager Jimmy Hart had taken to social media to shut down rumours about Hogan's health. 'Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal!' he posted on X, sharing that the two had been out at karaoke with Hogan's son, Nick. Hart's message was intended to dismiss online chatter claiming Hogan was in poor health or a coma.
Hogan, born Terry Bollea, became a household name in the 1980s with his larger-than-life persona, distinctive handlebar moustache, and electrifying presence in the wrestling ring. He headlined multiple WrestleMania events and was the first wrestler to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches in 1990 and 1991. His clash with André the Giant in 1988 drew over 33 million television viewers, making it one of the most-watched wrestling events of all time.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan dabbled in acting, famously appearing as 'Thunderlips the Ultimate Male' in Rocky III opposite Sylvester Stallone. His fame extended into pop culture, and he remained one of the most recognisable faces in sports entertainment.
The sudden nature of Hogan's death has shocked fans, especially after recent reassurances about his recovery from neck surgeries earlier this year. He is survived by his wife Sky and his two children.
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Express Tribune
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Hulk Hogan: The analogue superhero who enchanted Pakistan
Maulana Bijlighar was quite the character – he got the name because the mosque he led was close to a Grid Station in former NWFP. But this evocative name was not the cause of his renown. A firebrand conservative, his speeches would often be passed around, sort of like the more recently deceased Khadim Hussain Rizvi's, except he didn't use the kind of base and colourful language Rizvi employed as extensively. Maulana Bijlighar was the equivalent of a right wing stand up comedian who was also a cleric, his sermons would have the whole audience roaring with laughter as he spinned yarns and told stories to make his point. Everything had a killer punchline. One of his best jokes was an off the cuff remark. He wanted to ban wrestling on TV. His objection wasn't really Islamic in nature, he was afraid if the women of Pakistan saw these sculpted and beautiful men in the prime of their lives, 'tu phir in hattay kattay ko dekhney ke baad humarein auratein kya hum se khush rahengein?' Wrestling was big in the world back then - and even Maulana Bijlighar was referencing it to make a point, despite claiming not to own a TV. Top tier wrestling wasn't terrestrially transmitted, more often than not you watched it on VHS. And it was the VCR that was the conduit to Hulk Hogan. We didn't realise at the time because we were too enamoured by the physical prowess on display, but Hulk Hogan was a cartoon character aimed at children, one that adults loved too. Popeye had his spinach, and the wrestlers their steroids. Like Michael Jordan, he was the singular character that launched a sport from regional to national and international consciousness. The adults who loved wrestling of that era simply fell for the ease in which the good vs evil was framed – not realising the bad guys in wrestling were cartoons too, like the Iron Sheik. For a lot of us, the illusion of wrestling first unravelled when we understood the athleticism of WWF wrestling was real, but the battles were not. Matches were choregraphed with results determined long in advance in a script outlining the beefs that we would be choosing sides in. Others amongst us only learned wrestling was fake the first time we got into a fight. You can't do a piledriver unless your opponent lets you. Also, some learned of the reality of wrestling when we saw PTV's Olympics coverage and discovered The Ultimate Warrior wasn't competing, and no Suplex moves were to be seen. Learning in Pakistan the nature of the spectacle of wrestling was a construct is what it must have the equivalent of Western kids finding out Santa did not, in fact, exist. But Hulkamania in Pakistan wasn't as widespread as it was in the US because access to wrestling was different then. His era was for the Pakistani boomer, Gen X and the earliest millennials who owned VCRs. Millennials 'proper' came to wrestling when satellite and cable were common, and at that time it was the age of the Undertaker, Kane, The Rock, and others. Hulk is recognised even today by the youth – but more for his iconography. For Boomers and Gen Xers, he wasn't just known; he meant something to do them. Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth, who was part of the panel that sentenced the former dictator General Pervaiz Musharraf to death for treason, feigned ignorance of the controversy his judgment had caused – the PTI government at the time made noises about wanting to disbar him as unfit for office. When asked about this he said he had no knowledge of the furor because he only ever watched wrestling on TV. There is no information on this, but I imagine he could have been a Hulkster. To today's kids, the best way of understanding who Hulk Hogan was to an entire generation of Pakistani's back then is that he was the analogue superhero before the development of CGI in a MCU that was the World Wrestling Federation. My cousins Ali and Ano would visit in the summers, and it would mean months of tag team wrestling matches with me and my brother – trying to catch the illusive magic of the screen. Seeing the feeds of my friends on Facebook, it looks like it was a common thread to many childhoods. Maybe because we were young, or that the world was different then, it was not incongruous to us when we saw Hulk Hogan coming to the ring with his theme music blaring Rick Derringer's Real American: 'I am a real American, Fight for the rights of every man.' These lyrics sounded to us what a real Pakistani was as well as kids. These were the same days when Rambo was helping the Afghan Mujahidin in the third installment of the film series, dedicated to 'the gallant people of Afghanistan' in the credits. I think the fault lines, and real motivations of American policy are clearer to the young now – it wasn't that black and white while we were getting F-16's and partnered in the Cold War. It's interesting now that Hulk Hogan has passed on the heels of Ozzy Osbourne – another youth fixture – the heartfelt condolence has come from those who moved on from Wrestling, their memories of Hulk Hogan fixed in time, polished further by memory. Their remembrances capture the innocence of youth, a longing for that simplicity. But there is another group, one that may not have kept up with wrestling but did keep up with the news about it. Sentiments have always been subject to attack from new information, and adulation can crater with it. For Hulk Hogan, life happened after the ring. Or we noticed more of his life. Hulk Hogan's corny and agreeable persona started to unravel as his politics became known, as his family fell apart and the background to his sordid sex tape came to light, and ultimately, his racism revealed. It was as if Tom from Tom and Jerry had his own 'me too' allegations. Hulk wasn't the lovable figure being cartoonish anymore, neither was he forgivable for being buffoonish. As his persona was revealed, he started to come across as very insincere, like a cynical actor who thought very little of his audience. In the backdrop of Gaza, and Hulk's MAGA politics, there is remembrance of one side of his fanbase in Pakistan who knew about his current life that is more muted and circumspect. It's as if he polluted the memories of their long-gone childhood in later years. And this is perhaps one of the markers of the current age, few separate the art from the artist. Fasi Zaka is a cultural commentator and an RJ. Have something to add? Share it in the comments below.
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Internet mourns Hulk Hogan's death
The death of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has stirred a wave of tributes from across the entertainment and sports worlds. Remembered for his magnetic charisma both inside the ring and beyond it, Hogan's influence spanned more than four decades and left an indelible mark on professional wrestling. Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, as reported by BBC. Emergency services were called to the scene, but he was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital. Hogan's impact on wrestling was unmatched — his fame in the 1980s helped bring pro wrestling into the mainstream. At the height of his popularity, he became a household name, branching into film, music, reality television, and even launching a pasta-themed restaurant. In later years, however, Hogan's reputation took a hit after a leaked tape revealed him using racial slurs. WWE distanced itself from him for several years before ultimately reinstating him, though his final appearances were met with mixed reactions from fans. Despite the controversy, Hogan remained a towering figure in wrestling culture until his death. On Thursday, fellow wrestlers, Hollywood stars and fans remembered him as a pioneer who helped shape the face of modern sports entertainment. Tributes pour in US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, calling the late wrestler a "great friend" and recalling his turn on the stage at last year's RNC. "We lost a great friend today, the 'Hulkster.' Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way. Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart," Trump posted. He continued: "He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!" The White House's official X account also posted a tribute to Hogan with a picture of President Trump and his statement. The caption stated, "Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed. Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone, 78, shared a photo of himself with Hogan on Instagram, taken from their time filming Rocky III in 1982. Hogan appeared in the film as wrestler Thunderlips in one of his first major screen roles. Stallone wrote: "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 [when] I think that he's gone." Actor Brooke Shields, 59, also remembered Hogan with a photo of the two playfully wrestling on the set of Suddenly Susan, a sitcom that aired in the late 90s. "Rest easy, Hulk," she wrote. "This moment and his entire guest episode on Suddenly Susan was a true highlight. Sending love to all of his loved ones today." Wrestlers in mourning Fellow wrestlers also took to social media to share their tributes. The Undertaker, 60, said on X: "The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable, and for that, I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan." Former WWE owner Vince McMahon took to X and sent a heartfelt message about Hogan's death. He wrote, "the world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon. His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled — and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved. He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions." He finished with the iconic line, "Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers. Today, we pray for him." Ric Flair, one of his biggest wrestling rivals, took to X and praised Hogan for being a great friend away from the ring. He wrote, "I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend Hulk Hogan! 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 per cent chance of living and he prayed by my bedside." He remembered Hulk for his generosity, stating "Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace my friend." Even John Cena took to his Instagram and posted a throwback picture of him in the ring.
