Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died, aged 71, the WWE confirms

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was the biggest professional wrestler of the 80s and 90s and went on to achieve crossover fame

He debuted in 1977 and became the defining figure of the industry

Known for red and yellow outfits, “Real American” entrance music, and army of “Hulkamaniac” fans, he continued wrestling well into his 50s

In 2018, he was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame after being ejected for using a racist slur.

●》Hogan underwent surgery on his neck earlier this year

There had been speculation about Hulk Hogan’s health in the last few months.

In June, a representative for the wrestling legend told TMZ sports that Hogan was dealing with ailments but was “back to moving” after rumours he was unwell.

In May, it was widely reported he had undergone neck surgery.

Last year, in an interview with YouTuber and wrestler Logan Paul, external Hulk said he had at least 25 operations in the last decade.

“I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last 10 years,” he said. “Ten back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders – everything.”

● Hogan’s big WrestleMania moments

WWE’s flagship event, WrestleMania, might never have become what it did without Hulk Hogan.

From a headline appearance in the first event in 1985, to the last time he competed there against The Rock in 2002 – Hogan knew how to top the big cards.

“The Mega Powers explode” was the tagline for Wrestlmania V in Atlantic City New Jersey as Hogan went up against former tag team partner Mach Man Randy Savage for the World Heavyweight Championship – Hogan won that one.

But he wasn’t so successful the following year in Toronto.

Hogan, still heavyweight champion, went up against intercontinental champion the Ultimate Warrior in a title-for-title match. It was the first time Hogan lost to a clean pinfall since 1981.

Hogan’s last ever WWE match came at SummerSlam 2006, where he defeated the Legend Killer Randy Orton.

●》US defence secretary pays tribute to Hogan

The latest American politician to pay tribute to the professional wrestling star is US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

He posts “RIP” on X, alongside a picture of Hulk Hogan waving an American flag in a wrestling ring, surrounded by people.

● Trump Jr pays tribute to ‘legend’ Hulk Hogan

In a short X post, Donald Trump Jr, son of the US president, says “R.I.P to a legend”.

The post is accompanied by a selfie featuring the pair at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Hogan spoke on stage at the convention and other events in support of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. 

[BBC]