Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Florida. Born Terry Bollea, Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977 and quickly became the face of WWE during the 1980s. Known for his charisma and unique style, he brought mainstream attention to wrestling and attracted a family-friendly audience at a time when the sport was still finding its national footing. Hogan’s first major moment came in 1984 when he defeated The Iron Sheik to win the WWE Heavyweight Championship. That victory marked the beginning of “Hulkamania” and positioned Hogan as the centerpiece of WWE’s national expansion under Vince McMahon. He would go on to win six WWE Championships and appear in blockbuster films like Rocky III and Suburban Commando. His crossover appeal helped WWE grow into a global entertainment powerhouse. One of Hogan’s most memorable moments came in 1987 at WrestleMania III when he bodyslammed the undefeated Andre the Giant. The match became one of the most iconic in wrestling history and solidified Hogan as the biggest name in the sport. By the early 1990s, his popularity began to fade, and his controversial elimination from the 1992 Royal Rumble hinted at a shift in the wrestling landscape.
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Though Hulk Hogan’s initial dominance faded in the 1990s, his influence on the wrestling world remained strong. After several years away from WWE, Hogan made a dramatic return in 2002 and quickly reminded fans why he had become a household name. That year, he faced off against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in one of the most legendary matches of all time. Though Hogan lost the match after being hit with a People’s Elbow, fans in attendance erupted in cheers, proving his enduring appeal. Hogan’s legacy was officially cemented in 2005 when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone had the honour of inducting him, and Hogan delivered an emotional speech reflecting on his career, thanking fans and fellow wrestlers for the journey. Beyond wrestling, Hogan was a television personality and film actor, further expanding his fame outside the ring. His larger-than-life persona and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” became part of pop culture history. Although his career was not without controversy, including stints away from WWE and public scandals, Hogan remains one of the most important and influential figures in the history of professional wrestling. His death marks the end of an era for wrestling fans worldwide, but his legacy as a pioneer and icon of the sport will never be forgotten.
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