Hulk Hogan, the American sports and entertainment icon who turned professional wrestling into a global phenomenon and was an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced on Thursday, July 25, 2025.
“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,” WWE said on X.
Police in Clearwater, Florida, said Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his home on Thursday morning and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was known for his towering 6’7″ (two-meter) physique, bandana and blond handlebar moustache and was ubiquitous during his heyday, acting in film and television, appearing in video games and promoting a range of products.
Born in Georgia and raised in Florida, Hulk Hogan’s rise to fame was far from ordinary. He started out playing bass in local bands before turning to wrestling, where he became the face of a global entertainment empire.
He trained hard, built his famous “24-inch pythons”, and entered the ring like a real-life superhero.
His most iconic moment came at WrestleMania III in 1987, when he lifted and slammed 7’4” André the Giant in front of a roaring crowd in Michigan—making wrestling history.
In 2024, Hulk Hogan made a surprise appearance at the Republican National Convention to endorse Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Decades after Trump hosted WrestleMania events headlined by Hogan, the wrestling icon returned the favour with characteristic flair.
“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!”
Condolences poured in from all over the world as fans and fellow Hall of Famers mourned the wrestling giant.
“Hulk Has Been by My Side Since We Started in the Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!” fellow Hall of Famer Ric Flair said on social media.
“R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the business, including myself,” said retired pro and Olympic champion Kurt Angle.
WWE Hall of Famer Kane, in a post on X, said, “Hulk Hogan was a true legend. I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one.”
Vince McMahon, who built the WWE empire alongside Hogan, posted on X, “He was a trailblazer. He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, ‘Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.’ Today, we pray for him.”
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
