This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies at 71
Hulk Hogan, seen at WrestleMania in Los Angeles in 2005, was one of pro wrestling's most recognizable figures.
(
Chris Carlson
/
Associated Press
)
Listen
3:50
Hulk Hogan Obit (Intro Fixed)
Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest stars of professional wrestling, has died. The police and fire departments in Clearwater, Florida, put out a statement stating they responded to a medical call for a cardiac arrest this morning. Hogan was pronounced dead at a local hospital. He was 71.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was one of the earliest stars of World Wrestling Entertainment and was the face of pro wrestling's boom in popularity during the 1980s.
In a post on X, the WWE called Hogan "one of pop culture's most recognizable figures," and credited him for helping the brand achieve global recognition.
He was so popular, there was a name for his era of popularity — Hulkamania. Hogan parlayed that stardom into movie roles, including a memorable appearance in Rocky III.
-
Sweetlovers, your time has come as L.A. hits peak pastry. -
Attorney Dennis Block is accused of keeping unearned fees, not paying court sanctions on time and representing both tenant and landlord in a dispute. -
The city's housing authority says a pandemic-era housing voucher program could wind down by November, leaving thousands at risk of homelessness.
More recently, Hogan was a figure of right-wing politics. During the 2024 Republican National Convention, he spoke on stage, tearing off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance shirt, saying, "Let Trumpamania run wild, brother."
Hogan also became a major figure in the media after the website Gawker published a portion of a sex tape of Hogan in 2012. Funded by billionaire Peter Thiel, Hogan sued parent company Gawker Media. Hogan won the lawsuit. A Florida jury awarded him $140 million, driving Gawker Media into bankruptcy.
Sponsored message
Copyright 2025 NPR
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
