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Hulk Hogan rips his shirt before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. Photo: AP/UNB
Hulk Hogan, the iconic mustachioed showman who helped transform professional wrestling into a pop culture powerhouse, died Thursday at the age of 71, police confirmed.
Authorities responded to a cardiac arrest call at his Clearwater home, and Hogan-born Terry Bollea-was pronounced dead at the hospital. "No foul play is suspected," said Maj. Nate Burnside.
One of the most recognizable figures in wrestling history, Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and became a defining face of WWE, battling legends like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock. He held at least six WWE titles and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
"Hulkamania" swept through the 1980s, turning Hogan into a larger-than-life American hero, complete with his signature red and yellow attire and "24-inch pythons." Beyond wrestling, he appeared in films, TV shows, and starred in VH1's reality series Hogan Knows Best.
In recent years, Hogan waded into politics, endorsing Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention with his signature flair. He also turned his attention to a new wrestling venture, becoming commissioner of the Real American Freestyle league, billed as the first unscripted pro wrestling platform.
Hogan's wrestling journey began in 1984, launching what would become the WrestleMania era. His victory over Andre the Giant in 1987 and feud with Randy Savage cemented his legacy. In 1996, he reinvented himself as Hollywood Hogan, helping WCW dominate during the Monday Night Wars.
A showman in and out of the ring, Hogan's legacy lives on in fans' hearts. "Everywhere I go, people treat me like I'm still the champ," he once said.
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