By Philomina Brando
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, who has passed away at the age of 71. Hogan was a household name and a crossover mainstream star, known for his larger-than-life personality and iconic wrestling career.
Hogan’s career spanned decades, with his most notable moments coming in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a key figure in WWE’s rise to global recognition and was instrumental in making professional wrestling a multi-billion-dollar industry. Hogan’s popularity and rivalries with other wrestling stars, such as “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Macho Man” Randy Savage, made him a beloved figure among fans.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company said in a post on X. “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.”
Hogan’s legacy extends beyond his wrestling career. He was a cultural icon, starring in movies and TV shows, including the animated series “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling” and the reality TV show “Hogan Knows Best.” Hogan’s impact on popular culture is still felt today, with his iconic phrases and gestures remaining a part of the zeitgeist.
However, Hogan’s career was not without controversy. In 2015, a video surfaced of him using racial slurs, which led to his termination from WWE. Hogan later apologized for his comments, but the incident had a lasting impact on his legacy.
Chad Bronstein, CEO and co-founder of Real American Freestyle, paid tribute to Hogan, saying, “We lost our commissioner. We lost a friend. And the sport of wrestling lost one of its greatest champions, not just in the ring, but in spirit.”