WWE star dies aged 71

Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporterWatch: Hulk Hogan on the 2024 Republican Nationwide ConventionHulk Hogan, one in all America’s best-known wrestling stars, has died on the age of 71, World Wrestling Leisure (WWE) has confirmed.The star, born Terry Gene Bollea and identified for his flowing blond hair and handlebar moustache, died at his dwelling in Florida on Thursday.Hogan started his skilled wrestling profession in 1977, however shot to fame after signing for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), because it was then identified, in 1983.He was one of the crucial distinguished characters as the recognition of wrestling exploded, and later turned well-known for his actuality present, Hogan Is aware of Finest, which aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2007.Extra not too long ago, Hogan had been a vocal a supporter of US president Donald Trump.Hogan’s supervisor Chris Volo instructed NBC Los Angeles the wrestler suffered a cardiac arrest at his dwelling in Clearwater, Florida, and died surrounded by his household.The WWE star had neck surgical procedure in Might and coronary heart surgical procedure in June.Getty ImagesHogan, pictured at a Trump rally in October 2024, was a vocal supporter of the US presidentIn its assertion, WWE mentioned it was “saddened to be taught WWE Corridor of Famer Hulk Hogan has handed away”.”One of popular culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE obtain world recognition within the Eighties.”WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s household, associates, and followers.”Hogan’s larger-than-life persona and expertise within the ring helped make skilled wrestling extra accessible to the mainstream public.He received six WWE championships and headlined WrestleMania, WWE’s signature occasion, eight occasions. He was inducted into the WWE Corridor of Fame in 2005. Hogan’s opponents included Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage and Andre The Big.Wrestling legend Ric Aptitude mentioned he was “completely shocked” to listen to about Hogan’s loss of life.”An unimaginable athlete, expertise, good friend and father,” he mentioned in a publish on X. “Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was all the time there for me even once I did not ask for him to be.”Donald Trump Jr, the son of the US president, posted a selfie with Hogan from 2024, writing: “RIP to a legend.”Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the Home of Representatives, wrote on X: “All of us have fond reminiscences of Hulk Hogan. From my childhood within the ’80s, to campaigning with him final 12 months, I all the time noticed him as a large in stature and in life.”Carlos Silva, president of wrestling model Complete Nonstop Motion Wrestling, mentioned: “Hogan’s title was synonymous with skilled wrestling, transcending the business to develop into an American popular culture fixture.”Getty ImagesHulk Hogan pictured holding Tony Atlas in a headlock in 1981Born within the US state of Georgia in 1953, Hogan was one of the crucial well-known names in skilled wrestling historical past.His “Hulk” nickname got here from comparisons to the comic-book hero portrayed on TV on the time, whereas “Hogan” was the invention of promoter Vince McMahon, who was eager for Irish illustration within the WWF.He first competed within the WWF in 1979, however turned a mainstay and fan favorite within the mid-Eighties alongside Andre the Big and ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper.Hogan headlined the primary WrestleMania in New York in 1985, the place he and Mr T defeated Piper and Paul Orndorff.Within the ring, Hogan’s character was an all-American hero, and his magnetic persona helped appeal to thousands and thousands of viewers and switch wrestling right into a income juggernaut.His model of “Hulkamania” transferred to the small and large screens, with roles in movies corresponding to Rocky III, No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, Mr Nanny, Santa With Muscle tissues, and a 1996 episode of Baywatch.Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone mentioned on Instagram that Hogan was “completely great and his superb talent made Rocky III extremely particular”.Hogan additionally appeared as himself within the A-Staff, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Spy Arduous and Muppets From Area, and lent his voice to episodes of Robotic Hen and American Dad!In 1985, Hogan turned the star of his personal cartoon collection on CBS, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.Getty ImagesHogan pictured with John Cena on the Teen Alternative Awards in 2005Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Corridor of Fame in 2005, however he was faraway from the corridor in 2015 when his WWE contract was terminated after a tape emerged of him utilizing a racist slur.Three years earlier, gossip web site Gawker posted a video of him having an affair.Hogan subsequently sued the web site on privateness grounds, profitable $140m (£103m) and forcing it out of enterprise in 2016.In 2018, the corporate reinstated him, saying he deserved a second probability, however a number of WWE superstars, together with the New Day and Titus O’Neil, mentioned it might be “tough to easily neglect” what Hogan had mentioned.In recent times, Hogan appeared at Trump rallies and on the US election marketing campaign path.He starred on the 2024 Republican Nationwide Conference, ripping off his shirt – a signature transfer – to disclose a Trump 2024 T-shirt.Hogan was booed by the gang at his most up-to-date WWE look in January, when he appeared on the corporate’s flagship Monday Night time Uncooked programme to advertise his beer model.He suffered a number of well being issues in later years, many stemming from the a long time he spent within the ring.”I’ve had like 25 surgical procedures within the final 10 years,” he mentioned in an interview with YouTuber and wrestler Logan Paul final 12 months. “Ten again surgical procedures, each knees and each hips changed, shoulders – every part.”Hogan was married 3 times, and had two youngsters together with his first spouse Linda.Getty ImagesHogan was identified for his flowing blonde hair, handlebar moustache and bandannas Paying tribute, retired WWE star Kane described Hogan as a “true legend” in a publish on X.One other former wrestling large, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, wrote: “It is laborious to place into phrases what Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea meant to skilled wrestling and leisure.”He could also be gone, however his reminiscence and legacy will stay perpetually. RIP Hulkster.”