Nairobi, Kenya – The wrestling world and beyond is mourning the loss of one of its most colossal figures, Terry Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 71.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed his death, stating he succumbed to cardiac arrest.
Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling is immeasurable. In the 1980s and 1990s, his larger-than-life persona, both inside and outside the ring, transcended the sport, making him a household name globally.
With his signature boasts of “24-inch pythons” for arms and his rallying cry to “say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” Hogan spearheaded wrestling’s “golden era.”
His iconic rivalries with legends like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, André the Giant, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage propelled professional wrestling into a multi-billion-dollar industry and a mainstream pop culture phenomenon.
WWE itself acknowledged his pivotal role, stating, “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.”
According to reports from Clearwater, Florida, where Bollea resided, emergency services were dispatched to his home following a report of an individual in cardiac arrest. He was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
While his in-ring achievements and widespread fame are undeniable, Hogan’s legacy was also marked by controversy.
A leaked recording in 2015, in which he made racial slurs, significantly tarnished his image among many fans and led to a temporary distancing from WWE.
He was also a central figure in a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker, which ultimately led to the website’s bankruptcy, a landmark case in media law concerning privacy.
Despite the controversies, Terry Bollea’s influence on professional wrestling and pop culture remains profound.
WWE extended its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans, as the world remembers a true icon.
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