The Rise of a Wrestling Titan
Wrestling legend :Hulk Hogan dies at 71
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable faces in professional wrestling history. With his towering frame, bleach-blonde mustache, and signature red-and-yellow attire, Hogan became more than just a wrestler—he became a symbol of 1980s American pop culture. His character was built around strength, patriotism, and charisma, appealing to audiences across age groups and continents.
Before stepping into the wrestling ring, Hogan had dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. However, injuries and a strong interest in music shifted his path. He played bass guitar in several Florida-based rock bands before eventually being discovered by wrestling promoter Hiro Matsuda, who trained him rigorously. Hogan’s in-ring debut came in 1977, but it wasn’t until his association with WWF (now WWE) in the early 1980s that he rose to mainstream stardom.
Hulkamania Runs Wild
The term Hulkamania was coined to capture the sheer energy and passion surrounding Hogan’s persona. Fans chanted his name in arenas worldwide as he headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and several afterward. His feuds with stars like Andre the Giant, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, and later The Rock became legendary moments in WWE history.
With his signature moves—the “big boot” followed by the atomic leg drop—and his famous catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” Hogan redefined what it meant to be a wrestling superstar. He held the WWF Championship multiple times and helped transform wrestling from a niche sport into global entertainment.
The Hollywood Transition
In addition to wrestling, Hogan pursued acting, starring in films such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. Though the films received mixed reviews, they further solidified Hogan’s image as a family-friendly hero. His charisma and larger-than-life personality earned him roles on TV as well, including his own reality show Hogan Knows Best, which aired in the mid-2000s and offered a behind-the-scenes look at his family life.
A Dark Turn: Controversies and Challenge
Hogan’s career wasn’t without setbacks. In the 1990s, he shocked fans by turning heel (villain) and forming the New World Order (nWo) with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall in WCW—a move that redefined wrestling storytelling and boosted WCW ratings during the Monday Night Wars.
However, his off-screen life became turbulent. Hogan went through a highly publicized divorce with his wife Linda, his son Nick was involved in a serious car accident, and his reputation took a hit after a leaked sex tape and racially insensitive comments emerged in the 2010s. WWE suspended all ties with him, removing his name from the Hall of Fame and severing merchandise deals.
Eventually, after years of public apologies and community outreach, WWE reinstated him into the Hall of Fame in 2018. Though the incident left a stain on his legacy, many fans still revere Hogan for his contributions to wrestling and entertainment.
Death Rumors: What’s the Truth?
In recent years, the internet has become a breeding ground for celebrity death hoaxes, and Hulk Hogan has been no exception. False rumors about his death have surfaced multiple times, causing confusion and panic among fans. These hoaxes often trend on social media platforms or clickbait websites with headlines like “RIP Hulk Hogan” or “WWE Legend Passes Away.”
As of July 2025, Hulk Hogan is alive. In fact, he remains active on social media and frequently attends wrestling conventions and WWE events. He has been open about his physical health, sharing details about his multiple back surgeries and chronic pain from decades in the ring. Despite these challenges, he maintains a positive attitude and continues to inspire fans.
It’s a reminder to always verify news from credible sources before believing or spreading such information. Hogan himself has taken to social media to laugh off these rumors, assuring fans he’s still “alive and kicking.”
Legacy of the Immortal
Today, Hulk Hogan is recognized as one of the greatest wrestling icons of all time. His image has appeared in video games, action figures, comic books, and countless merchandise items. Newer generations, even those who never watched him wrestle live, know him through streaming content, WWE documentaries, and classic match replays.
He has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice: once as an individual (2005) and once as part of the nWo faction (2020). Despite his controversies, many wrestlers—including John Cena, The Rock, and Roman Reigns—cite Hogan as a major influence.