Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies aged 71

Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 (Picture: Getty)

The former world champion, real name Terry Bollea, was one of the biggest names in the sport, and most recently worked as a WWE brand ambassador.

His family confirmed the news to Us Weekly, but did not share any further details.

According to TMZ, emergency services were sent to his home in Clearwater, Florida, earlier this morning, after receiving a call about a ‘cardiac arrest’.

He was reportedly carried out of his property on a stretcher and taken to hospital in an ambulance.

His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Hulk was reportedly rushed to hospital earlier this morning (Picture: Getty)

He is regarded as one of the best in the sport (Picture: Reuters)

Shortly after the news was confirmed, Hogan’s co-stars rushed to social media to share pay tribute.

In a lengthy message, Ric Flair tweeted: ‘I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan! Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business.

‘An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be.

‘He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside. Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace my friend!’

The official WWE Twitter account issued a statement, which read: ‘WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.

‘One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.

Tributes poured in on social media (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.’

Hogan’s death comes just a month after it was revealed that he underwent a major heart operation in June, and was recovering.

‘Hulk had pretty serious heart surgery a few weeks ago and was doing well afterward,’ an insider told US Weekly at the time.

The Georgia-born star began his wrestling career in the 70s and made his debut against Brian Blair in August 1977.

Hogan went on to claim his first professional championship two years later, but his life took a huge turn shortly after, when he was introduced to Vince McMahon, promoter of the then-World Wrestling Foundation – which was renamed in 2002.

He made his debut as ‘Hulk Hogan’ in a November episode of Championship Wrestling – where he beat Harry Valdez – and performed in front of the delighted crowds at Madison Square Garden the following month.

In 1983, he shot to worldwide fame after signing with the WWE and headlined the first WrestleMania events, before he succeeded in becoming a five-time champion.

He ushered in a new era for the sport, as millions tuned in to watch his battles – he delighted crowds as he stormed into the ring, ripping his shirt off and flexing as the cheers grew.

His 1988 match with André the Giant on WWF The Main Event still holds American television viewership records for wrestling with 33 million viewers.

In 1993, he left the WWF to pursue a career in film and television, but returned just a year later, signing with the rival promotion World Championship Wrestling. He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times.

Nearly a decade after his WWF exit, Hogan returned in 2002. Three years later he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. But in 2015 he was removed when his WWE contract was terminated after a tape of him emerged using a racist slur.

In recent years he became a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and appeared at campaign rallies (Picture: Anna Moneymaker/ Getty Images)

In 2018, he was reinstated, but other stars of the sport questioned the decision and how it would be ‘difficult to forget’ his comments.

Away from the ring, Hogan also had an extensive acting career, which began with a role in 1982’s Rocky III. He also starred in films No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny, as well as the shows Hogan Knows Best, Thunder in Paradise and China.

In recent years Hogan had become a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump and appeared during rallies and on the election campaign trail last year.

He shared children Nick and Brooke with first wife Linda (Picture: David Fisher/ Shutterstock)

He’d been married to Sky Daily since 2023 (Picture: Julio Aguilar/ Getty Images)

Hogan was previously married to Linda Claridge, from 1983 until 2007. They shared daughter Brooke and son Nick.

Linda filed for divorce after discovering he was having an affair, however Hogan always denied he cheated on her.

He went on to marry Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, but divorced two years later.

At the time of his death he was married to yoga instructor Sky Daily, who was 26 years his junior. They had married in 2023.

Metro has contacted Hogan’s reps for a comment.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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