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.

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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.

Hulk Hogan — the man who once body-slammed giants, ripped shirts with a roar, and made millions believe in “Hulkamania” — has died at the age of 71, according to multiple U.S. media outlets. The news broke late Thursday, sending waves of sorrow and disbelief through both the wrestling and entertainment communities.

According to NBC News, Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, passed away at his home in Florida, with longtime manager Chris Volo confirming the tragedy. Though official details remain scarce, initial reports suggest a heart attack as the likely cause — though this has not yet been confirmed by medical authorities or Hogan’s family.

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The WWE, where Hogan became an icon in the 1980s and ’90s, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement on its official site and X page.

WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away… Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.

Ric Flair’s Emotional Tribute: “He Was Always There for Me…”

Wrestling legend and Hogan’s longtime friend, Ric Flair, shared a deeply emotional tribute on X (formerly Twitter), calling Hogan not just a fellow wrestler, but a brother.

I Am Absolutely Shocked… Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me In The Hospital… He Prayed By My Bedside… Lent Me Money When My Son Was Sick.

Flair’s tribute has since gone viral, striking a personal chord with fans who saw the pair as titans of a golden era in wrestling.

Speculation and Rumors Swirl Online

No sooner had the news gone public than conspiracy theories started circulating on social media. One viral video on X claims Hogan had recently undergone surgery and was “brain-dead” following complications — however, these assertions have not been verified by any credible source.

As of now, the only named source confirming Hogan’s death remains Chris Volo, his longtime manager, and the WWE’s official acknowledgment. An autopsy report or statement from Hogan’s family is yet to be released.

Who Was Hulk Hogan?

Born in 1953, Terry Gene Bollea was better known to the world as Hulk Hogan. With his signature bandana, yellow trunks, and “whatcha gonna do” catchphrase, Hogan was arguably the face of professional wrestling during its explosive rise in the 1980s.

A 12-time world champion, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He later pursued a career in Hollywood, starring in cult films like Mr. Nanny and Suburban Commando, and became a reality TV figure with Hogan Knows Best.

Beyond the ring, Hogan was known for his charity work, public appearances, and tumultuous personal life — all of which kept him in the headlines even after retirement.

What Comes Next?

As tributes pour in from celebrities, fans, and fellow wrestlers, many are waiting for clarity on what truly happened to the man who defined a generation of wrestling. Until a medical report or family statement is released, the true cause of death remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the world remembers Hulk Hogan not just as an athlete, but as an enduring symbol of larger-than-life strength, charisma, and loyalty — both inside and outside the ring.

Wrestling fans around the globe witnessed a once-in-a-generation moment at TNA Slammiversary 2025 when AJ Styles made a shocking return after 12 years, stepping back into the ring not to fight, but to inspire. As the crowd roared in disbelief, the former X-Division Champion and WWE megastar entered the ring to honor Leon Slater, the youngest X-Division Champion in TNA history.

Just minutes earlier, Slater had delivered a spectacular performance against veteran Moose, sealing the win with a high-risk Swanton Bomb followed by a jaw-dropping 450 Swanton Bomb. With the crowd still on their feet, Moose showed immense sportsmanship, handing the title belt over to Slater. But what followed turned the event into an unforgettable milestone in pro wrestling history.

AJ Styles’ music hit.

And the arena erupted.

“You’re not just phenomenal. You’re built for this.”
These words from Styles’ emotional open letter echoed throughout the venue as fans realized the torch was being passed — from one X-Division icon to a new prodigy ready to etch his name into history.

“Two Eras. One Legacy.” — AJ Styles’ Message of Growth and Faith

Before his surprise appearance, AJ Styles had teased fans with a heartfelt letter to himself on social media titled “Two Eras. One Legacy. AJ Returns.” In it, the 47-year-old veteran looked back on his journey from TNA rookie to becoming a global icon in WWE, reminding himself and fans of the long road filled with both triumph and adversity.

“If I had the ability to go back in time, I’d tell myself ‘You have no idea how far this ride’s about to take you…’”
“…Stay humble, stay hungry, and trust God’s timing—it’s perfect, even when it doesn’t feel like it,” Styles wrote.

You can read the full message on AJ Styles’ official X account.

The Rise of Leon Slater: A New Chapter Begins

At just 19 years old, Leon Slater has become the youngest X-Division Champion ever — a feat that many believed would take years to achieve. Trained in the UK indie scene, Slater has consistently impressed fans with his agility, resilience, and high-flying style reminiscent of a young AJ.

In his post-match speech, AJ told Slater to “carry the legacy forward,” signaling the passing of the X-Division mantle from one legend to another. The moment has been hailed as TNA’s most emotional Slammiversary moment in over a decade.

Fans immediately took to social media platforms like Reddit and X to share their emotions, with many saying they were brought to tears.

AJ Styles and TNA: A History That Changed Wrestling Forever

Allen Neal Jones, known professionally as AJ Styles (Wikipedia), was one of the original cornerstones of TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling), now rebranded as TNA Wrestling once again. His work during the early 2000s laid the foundation for what the X-Division represents today: speed, athleticism, innovation, and fearless storytelling.

Though Styles left TNA in 2013, he always carried a piece of it with him as he conquered New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and later WWE, where he became a WWE Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and a locker room leader.

His return to TNA isn’t about reclaiming glory — it’s about legacy, mentorship, and showing the new generation what it means to be phenomenal.

Wrestling World Reacts: “This Wasn’t Just a Return — It Was a Blessing”

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle, a fellow TNA alum, posted a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram saying, “This is why AJ Styles is one of the greatest. He didn’t return to wrestle. He returned to inspire.”

Moose, who graciously handed over the title to Slater, commented backstage:

“Leon earned it. AJ’s presence only made it more special. This was real. This was history.”

Even WWE personalities like Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens took to X to acknowledge the moment, showing just how wide Styles’ respect stretches across the wrestling world.

What’s Next for AJ Styles and Leon Slater?

While AJ Styles is still signed with WWE, his appearance at Slammiversary was reportedly sanctioned as a one-off tribute and not a full return to TNA. However, insiders speculate that this might open the door for future cross-promotional moments, especially with Triple H’s more open approach to collaborations.

Meanwhile, Leon Slater now carries the weight of legacy on his shoulders. With AJ’s blessing and the eyes of the wrestling world watching, Slater must prove that his moment wasn’t just magic — it was the beginning of something legendary.

And if Slammiversary 2025 taught us anything, it’s that wrestling still has the power to create goosebump moments — when the past returns not to compete, but to ignite the future.

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