Hulk Hogan, legendary WWE icon and pop culture giant, dies at 71 after surgery complications; fans pay emotional tribute

Hulk Hogan, the man whose name became nearly synonymous with professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71. According to early reports, the legendary figure passed away Thursday morning at his Florida home. News of his death stunned fans around the world, many of whom grew up watching him dominate the ring with unmatched energy, charisma, and those signature 24-inch pythons.



Sources close to the family say Hogan had recently undergone neck surgery and had been recovering at home. While his wife Sky Daily had shared that he was on the mend and in good spirits, things reportedly took a tragic turn. Paramedics were called to the house after he collapsed, and despite quick response efforts, he couldn’t be revived. According to The Sun, it's believed the cause was cardiac arrest, though more details are still emerging. For fans who followed his health updates closely, the news comes as a shock, especially after reassurances that he was bouncing back.


Not long after the news broke, WWE released a statement mourning the loss of one of its greatest icons. “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company said. “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.”



As the news broke, tributes began pouring in from across the wrestling world and beyond. Social media was flooded with posts from fans who grew up watching the Hulkster. Many shared memories of hearing “Real American” blasting through arenas, Hogan tearing his shirt off, and that unforgettable “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” line.






Hogan's rise began in the early ’80s, but it was WrestleMania that truly made him a superstar. He became the face of WWE, headlined countless pay-per-views, and helped build the foundation for the company’s global success. In the ’90s, he shocked fans by turning heel in WCW and forming the iconic nWo, reinventing himself yet again. Over the decades, he remained a constant in pop culture—whether in the ring, on reality TV, or in movies. Twice inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Hogan’s legacy is cemented not just in wrestling history but also in the hearts of generations who watched him rise, fall, and rise again.

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