Terry Bollea, better known to the world as Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71, marking the end of an era in professional wrestling. The man whose 24-inch pythons and booming “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” captivated millions died after years of battling serious health issues, including a chronic back injury stemming from decades in the ring.

ALOS READ : SmackDown Meets Saturday Showdowns WWE and Big 12 Bring Wrestling to College Football Weekends Starting in Dublin

Despite retiring from active wrestling in 2012, Hogan had recently launched a new venture — Real American Freestyle Wrestling — and was planning to open a bar in New York City, just across from Madison Square Garden, the venue that hosted some of his most iconic matches.

From Mr. T to The Rock — Hogan owned the spotlight

In 1985, Hulk Hogan became a household name when he teamed up with Mr. T at the inaugural WrestleMania to battle Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. That match, broadcast via closed-circuit television, drew over a million viewers and catapulted the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) into the cultural mainstream.

His epic showdown with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III became the stuff of legend. With 80,000 fans packing the Pontiac Silverdome, it was the match that defined an era. The rematch later aired on NBC and drew a staggering 33 million viewers, solidifying Hogan as wrestling’s first true megastar.

Heel turn of the century — the NWO revolution

In 1996, with his hero image fading, Hogan executed one of the most shocking “heel turns” in wrestling history. He joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and became the ruthless leader of the New World Order (NWO). Reinventing himself as “Hollywood Hogan,” he ditched the red and yellow for black and white and led WCW to 83 straight weeks of ratings dominance over the WWF.

The move revitalized not just Hogan’s career but also the wrestling industry, reflecting the darker, edgier tone of the 1990s. For fans who had grown up idolizing him, it was a surreal twist — but one that worked.

The comeback that made the crowd flip

In 2002, Hogan returned to WWE to face The Rock at WrestleMania 18 in Toronto. Though he entered as a villain, the 68,000-strong crowd wasn’t having it. They roared for Hogan, forcing WWE to repackage him once more as the beloved “Real American” character.

Hogan would go on to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest performers in sports entertainment history.

From the ring to real-life controversy

However, Hogan’s post-wrestling life was marred by scandal. In 2015, a leaked video revealed him using racial slurs and making deeply offensive remarks. WWE severed ties, only to reintroduce him three years later as a “legend” with limited appearances.

Later that same year, a sex tape featuring Hogan was leaked by Gawker. Hogan sued the media outlet for invasion of privacy and emotional distress — and won. The court awarded him a jaw-dropping $115 million in damages, a case that became a landmark in digital privacy law.

Despite his attempts at a comeback, Hogan was booed by fans during WWE’s Netflix debut in Los Angeles earlier this year when promoting his new Real American Beer brand.

Donald Trump calls Hogan “a great friend”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had a long-running friendship with Hogan, was among the first to pay tribute.

We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, one of the highlights of the week. His cultural impact was massive.

WWE still under scrutiny as Laurinaitis settles in Grant case

As the wrestling world mourns the loss of Hogan, WWE is grappling with another storm — a bombshell lawsuit involving former WWE executive John Laurinaitis and accusations of sexual misconduct brought by former employee Janel Grant.

Laurinaitis, who once wrestled as “Johnny Ace,” has reached a confidential settlement with Grant and is now reportedly providing evidence in her ongoing case against WWE and former CEO Vince McMahon.

Grant alleges years of sexual abuse and coercion, and claims she was pressured into signing a $3 million nondisclosure agreement — of which only $1 million was paid. The case, which includes graphic allegations and explicit text messages, continues to send shockwaves through the wrestling industry.

McMahon, who bought the WWF in 1982 and turned it into a global powerhouse, resigned from his position in TKO Group Holdings earlier this year amid mounting legal pressure. He continues to deny all allegations and is pushing for the case to move into private arbitration.

A bittersweet farewell

For fans around the world, Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler — he was the wrestler. He defined a generation, transcended the sport, and became a symbol of charisma, strength, and spectacle.

Yet, as with many legends, his legacy is complicated. Hogan leaves behind a mixed history — one of extraordinary influence and achievement, marred by personal failings and public backlash.

Even so, the roar of the crowd when “Real American” hit the speakers will never be forgotten.