Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who is considered the 1980s icon of professional wrestling and helped propel the low-budget spectacle into the global spotlight and parlayed his prowess in the ring into pop culture stardom, died on 25 July. He was 71.
According to BankokPost, Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was pronounced dead at a Florida hospital after emergency personnel responded to a cardiac arrest call at his home in Clearwater.
A video obtained earlier by TMZ showed a scene outside Hogan's residence where responders desperately trying to save his life as he was transported to an ambulance.
In the clip, several paramedics appear to be conducting chest compressions as Hogan is wheeled to the emergency vehicle.
Hogan kickstarted a pop culture phenomenon with "Hulkamania" after defeating the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984 -- a craze that never went away, and his signature bandana and handlebar mustache were often copied by fans in crowds for decades.
The 6-foot-7 wrestler had countless iconic performances ... including a matchup against Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in 2002 and a face-off with Andre the Giant at WM 3 -- and had memorable feuds with Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage.
Hulk had an amazingly successful movie career, beginning in 1982, with "Rocky III," playing the iconic character Thunderlips. He also starred in "No Holds Barred," "Suburban Commando" and "Mr. Nanny."
And there's more ... Hogan starred in the hit VH1 reality show, "Hogan Knows Best," with his family ... Linda, Nick and Brooke.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but was removed after a slew of controversy. First, when a sex tape featuring him leaked, and again when a recording of him using racist language, including a slur referring to Black Americans, resurfaced in 2015. He later apologized for his actions and was reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame.
"Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!" retired wrestler Ric Flair said on social media.
In recent years, Hogan became an avid supporter of US President Donald Trump. He was the star of the 2024 Republican National Convention, when he set the room ablaze with theatrics.
WWE released a statement on Hogan's death ... saying, "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."
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