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Kuwait Times
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies at 71
MIAMI: Hulk Hogan, the American sports and entertainment star who made professional wrestling a global phenomenon and loudly supported Donald Trump for president, has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment said on Thursday. 'WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,' WWE said on X. It gave no cause of death. The bleach-blond, mahogany-tanned behemoth became the face of professional wrestling in the 1980s, helping transform the mock combat from a seedy spectacle into family-friendly entertainment worth billions of dollars. A key moment in that evolution came at the WrestleMania III extravaganza in 1987, when Hogan hoisted fellow wrestler André the Giant before a sold-out Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan for a thunderous body slam of the Frenchman. Hogan parlayed his wrestling fame into a less successful career in Hollywood, starring in films like 'Rocky III' and 'Santa With Muscles', but kept returning to the ring as long as his body would allow. In 2024, he appeared at the Republican National Convention to endorse the presidential bid of Trump, who in the 1980s had played host to Hulk-headlined WrestleManias. Hogan said he made the decision to support the Republican candidate after seeing his combative, fist-pumping reaction to an attempted assassination on the campaign trail. 'Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!' Hogan bellowed to a cheering crowd, ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top. 'Let Trumpamania rule again!' Becoming 'Hulk' Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, on Aug 11, 1953, the future Hulk and his family soon moved to the Tampa, Florida area. After high school, he played bass guitar for area rock bands, but felt a pull to the red-hot wrestling scene in Florida in the 1970s. Many of the details of his career were showbusiness exaggerations, representative of the blurred lines between fact and fiction in wrestling. His first trainer reportedly broke Hogan's leg to dissuade him from entering the business, but he kept at wrestling, weight training, and – he later admitted – anabolic steroids. He gained in notoriety as his biceps turned into what he dubbed the '24-inch pythons'. The 'Hulk' moniker came from comparisons to the comic-book hero portrayed on TV at the time. He would end up paying royalties to Marvel Comics for years. 'Hogan' was the invention of promoter Vincent J McMahon, the owner of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), who wanted Irish representation among his stable of stars. His appearance as wrestler Thunderlips in 'Rocky III', where he dwarfed leading man Sylvester Stallone, rocketed Hogan to the mainstream. Upon a return to the WWF, now controlled by McMahon's son Vincent K, he defeated the Iron Sheik in 1984 to claim the world championship, a belt he would hold for four years. Hogan became a household name, appearing on the cover of magazine Sports Illustrated and performing alongside pop culture stars like Mr T. The WWF came to dominate wrestling, anchored by its annual WrestleMania pay-per-view events. Facing 'The Rock' Later, he joined competitor World Championship Wrestling, swapping his trademark yellow tights for black and taking on a persona as the villainous 'Hollywood' Hogan, the head of a gang of rulebreakers known as the New World Order. The gimmick reinvigorated his career. Hogan eventually returned to the WWF, now known as WWE, and faced Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson at WrestleMania in 2002. 'I'm in better shape than him,' Hogan told Reuters at the time, five months shy of his 50th birthday. 'I'll stand next to The Rock and pose down with him if he wants to.' The Rock ultimately won the match. Hogan was inducted twice into the WWE Hall of Fame, and referred to himself as the 'Babe Ruth' of wrestling – after the New York Yankees' famed baseball player. But Hogan's support of Trump in 2024 did not go down well with all wrestling fans, and he also faced other controversies. Gossip website Gawker was shuttered after it posted parts of a sex tape between him and a friend's wife and Hogan sued on privacy grounds, winning a $140 million judgment. In 2015, he was suspended by the WWE after another surreptitious recording revealed that Hogan had used a racial slur. He was reinstated in 2018. He was married three times and had two children, who starred alongside him and first wife Linda in a 2005-2007 reality TV show, 'Hogan Knows Best.' — Reuters
UAE Moments
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Hulk Hogan: Wrestling Icon and Pop Culture Trailblazer Dies
Hulk Hogan: The Wrestling Icon Who Transformed Sports Entertainment Hulk Hogan, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling, has passed away at the age of 71. The news was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on Thursday through a heartfelt social media post. WWE Pays Tribute to Hulk Hogan's Legacy 'WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,' the statement read. '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.' The Rise of Hulk Hogan: A Global Wrestling Superstar Born Terry Bollea, Hogan became synonymous with wrestling during the 1980s, mesmerizing audiences with his signature beach-blonde handlebar mustache, flamboyant bandanas, towering physique, and electrifying personality. Referring to his biceps as '24-inch pythons,' Hogan carried the American flag into the ring and built a persona that captured the patriotic spirit of the time. As the face of WWE, Hogan revolutionized professional wrestling, transforming it into a mainstream global phenomenon. His magnetic charisma and showmanship ushered in a golden era for the sport, elevating it to new levels of popularity. Hulk Hogan's Historic Achievements Twice inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, solidifying his enduring legacy. Earned comparisons to legendary athletes, famously dubbing himself the 'Babe Ruth' of wrestling. Appeared at iconic events like WrestleMania and helped WWE reach unprecedented heights in entertainment. Hollywood Ambitions and Cultural Impact Hogan was among the first WWE talents to transition into Hollywood, leveraging his fame to secure roles in films like Rocky III and Santa With Muscles. His crossover success further cemented his status as a household name, expanding wrestling's cultural influence beyond the ring. Hogan's Political Involvement and Endorsement of Donald Trump Later in life, Hogan stepped into the political arena by endorsing Donald Trump during the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign. At the Republican National Convention, Hogan energized the crowd with a fiery speech as he tore off his trademark shirt, proclaiming, 'Let Trumpamania run wild, brother! Let Trumpamania rule again!' Trump, in turn, honored Hogan in a social media post after his passing: 'We lost a great friend today, the 'Hulkster.' Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week.' Controversies and Redemption Hogan's career was not without controversy. In 2015, he faced backlash after a recording surfaced of him using a racial slur, leading to his suspension from WWE. However, he was reinstated in 2018, signaling a path to redemption and reconciliation with fans and the organization. Personal Life Hulk Hogan was married three times and raised two children. Despite his larger-than-life persona, his personal life often made headlines, adding layers to the complex legacy he leaves behind. Enduring Legacy Hogan's unparalleled charisma, memorable catchphrases, and unwavering confidence forever changed the face of professional wrestling. From elevating WWE to international prominence during the 1980s to branching out into Hollywood and U.S. politics, Hogan's multifaceted career left an indelible mark on popular culture.
News18
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘My First Childhood Hero': Angad Bedi Pays Tribute To WWE Legend Hulk Hogan
Last Updated: The film actor expressed his pain over the untimely demise of the legendary WWE star, who died following a cardiac arrest on Thursday, July 24, in Florida. Bollywood actor Angad Bedi mourned the demise of 'my first childhood hero" and WWE legend Hulk Hogan on Thursday, July 24. One of the earliest stars of the World Wrestling Entertainment, who put the popular wrestling company on the global map, Hogan died at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest. One of Hogan's biggest fans, Angad, was in shock and pain to learn of the flamboyant wrestler's passing. 'If it's true… then I lost my childhood first hero!!" he wrote in a story post on his Instagram handle, expressing gratitude towards the wrestler for enriching his childhood like many of the late 80s and early 90s kids in India. 'Thank you for the memories." After initial speculations, WWE confirmed Hogan's sad demise in a statement. 'WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s," the company said. According to a Reuters report, the police in Clearwater, Florida, said the authorities rushed to Hogan's residence after receiving a call for medical help for a cardiac arrest on the morning of July 24. Not long after the great wrestler was taken to the hospital, he was pronounced dead by the doctors. Hogan, whose eye-catching appearance with the stylish black goggles and the red headband turned him into a favourite among the kids, was the face of professional wrestling in the 1980s. He took the wrestling scene to the masses, transforming it from just a serious combative sport to family-friendly entertainment that soared WWE's earnings through the roof. When in the ring, Hogan packed the strongest punch. His fans would recall the WrestleMania III extravaganza in 1987, where the 6'8 imposing figure hammered fellow wrestler André the Giant before a packed crowd at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan. Due to his humongous fame, Hogan also received offers from Hollywood, going on to work in films like 'Rocky III" and 'Santa With Muscles." Originally named Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan got the 'Hulk' moniker from comparisons to the comic-book hero portrayed on TV at the time, while the title 'Hogan' was given to him by WWE owner Vincent J McMahon. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Hulk Hogan's wife Sky Daily denied ‘coma' rumours days before death
Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at 71, days after his wife publicly denied that he was suffering from any health issues despite rumours that he was in a coma. Hulk Hogan married for the third time in a low-key ceremony with wife Sky Daily.(Instagram/hulkhogan) On an Instagram story that is no longer available, Hogan's wife, Sky Daily Hogan, debunked allegations that the star of Rocky III was in a coma, stating that he was doing fine and recovering from surgeries. Still, the sudden and unexpected death of the WWE legend has left the wrestling world and beyond reeling. Also Read | 'Hulkster, no one will ever…': WWE legends and fans mourn Hulk Hogan's death According to Associated Press, Emergency responders arrived at Hogan's Florida house after there were reports of a potential cardiac attack. Police and paramedics could be seen arriving on the scene, and the wrestling legend was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. All about Hulk Hogan became a superstardom icon during the 1980s, being the face of professional wrestling and a household name all over the world. He was the initial wrestler to host "Saturday Night Live," the sole wrestler to flex his 24-inch pythons on Sports Illustrated's cover and was towering high as the loathed Thunderlips up against Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa at the movies. Also Read | Hulk Hogan dies: How WWE star's lawsuit over leaked sex tape shut down Gawker Media One after another, Hogan defeated the biggest, baddest and all the larger-than-life cartoon characters who contributed to making the WWE a mainstream phenomenon during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Hogan competed in a tag-team bout at the initial WrestleMania back in 1985. Also Read | Hulk Hogan cause of death: Amid questions about neck surgery, new 'brain dead' claim surfaces Hogan took his wrestling popularity and spun it into an unproductive Hollywood career, including starring roles in "Rocky III" and "Santa With Muscles," but continued to come back to the ring as long as his body held out. Hulk Hogan supported Trump In 2024, he showed up at the Republican National Convention to rally around Trump's presidential candidacy, which had in the 1980s featured Hulk-headlined WrestleManias. According to Hogan, he decided to back the Republican candidate after witnessing his aggressive, fist-pumping response to a campaign-trail attempted assassination.
Daily Maverick
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Hulk Hogan, who helped turn pro wrestling into billion-dollar spectacle, dies at 71
'WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,' WWE said in a statement. Police in Clearwater, Florida, said authorities had responded to a medical call for a cardiac arrest at Hogan's residence on Thursday morning. Hogan was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, they said. The bleach-blond, mahogany-tanned behemoth became the face of professional wrestling in the 1980s, helping transform the mock combat from a seedy spectacle into family-friendly entertainment worth billions of dollars. A key moment in that evolution came at the WrestleMania III extravaganza in 1987, when Hogan, billed at 6'8″, hoisted fellow wrestler André the Giant before a sold-out Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan for a thunderous body slam of the 7'4″ Frenchman. Hogan parlayed his wrestling fame into a less successful career in Hollywood, starring in films like 'Rocky III' and 'Santa With Muscles,' but kept returning to the ring as long as his body would allow. In 2024, he appeared at the Republican National Convention to endorse the presidential bid of Trump, who in the 1980s had played host to Hulk-headlined WrestleManias. Hogan said he made the decision to support the Republican candidate after seeing his combative, fist-pumping reaction to an attempted assassination on the campaign trail. 'Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!' Hogan bellowed to a cheering crowd, ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top. 'Let Trumpamania rule again!' BECOMING 'HULK' Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, on August 11, 1953, the future Hulk and his family soon moved to the Tampa, Florida area. After high school, he played bass guitar for area rock bands, but felt a pull to the red-hot wrestling scene in Florida in the 1970s. Many of the details of his career were showbusiness exaggerations, representative of the blurred lines between fact and fiction in wrestling. His first trainer reportedly broke Hogan's leg to dissuade him from entering the business, but he kept at wrestling, weight training, and – he later admitted – anabolic steroids. He gained in notoriety as his biceps turned into what he dubbed the '24-inch pythons.' The 'Hulk' moniker came from comparisons to the comic-book hero portrayed on TV at the time. He would end up paying royalties to Marvel Comics for years. 'Hogan' was the invention of promoter Vincent J. McMahon, the owner of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), who wanted Irish representation among his stable of stars. His appearance as wrestler Thunderlips in 'Rocky III,' where he dwarfed leading man Sylvester Stallone, rocketed Hogan to the mainstream. Upon a return to the WWF, now controlled by McMahon's son Vincent K., he defeated the Iron Sheik in 1984 to claim the world championship, a belt he would hold for four years. Hogan became a household name, appearing on the cover of magazine Sports Illustrated and performing alongside pop culture stars like Mr. T. The WWF came to dominate wrestling, anchored by its annual WrestleMania pay-per-view events. 'He drew more people to professional wrestling over the course of a career than anyone,' said Dave Meltzer, a wrestling journalist and historian. 'He paid the price in health for all of that stuff, being so big.' FACING 'THE ROCK' Later, he joined competitor World Championship Wrestling, swapping his trademark yellow tights for black and taking on a persona as the villainous 'Hollywood' Hogan, the head of a gang of rulebreakers known as the New World Order. The gimmick reinvigorated his career. Hogan eventually returned to the WWF, now known as WWE, and faced Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson at WrestleMania in 2002. 'I'm in better shape than him,' Hogan told Reuters at the time, five months shy of his 50th birthday. 'I'll stand next to The Rock and pose down with him if he wants to.' The Rock ultimately won the match. Hogan was inducted twice into the WWE Hall of Fame, and referred to himself as the 'Babe Ruth' of wrestling – after the New York Yankees' famed baseball player. But Hogan's support of Trump in 2024 did not go down well with all wrestling fans, and he also faced other controversies. Gossip website Gawker was shuttered after it posted parts of a sex tape between him and a friend's wife and Hogan sued on privacy grounds, winning a $140 million judgment. In 2015, he was suspended by the WWE after another surreptitious recording revealed that Hogan had used a racial slur. He was reinstated in 2018. He was married three times and had two children, who starred alongside him and first wife Linda in a 2005-2007 reality TV show, 'Hogan Knows Best.' Condolences for the Hulkster poured in across social media, including from Vince K. McMahon, his partner in the 1980s wrestling boom and the former executive chairman of TKO Group TKO.N that absorbed WWE in 2023. 'He was a trailblazer,' McMahon wrote in a post on X. 'He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, 'Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.'' 'Today, we pray for him.'
