Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died on 24 July 2025 at the age of 71 from cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. He taught millions of children (and quite a few adults) the value of courage, loyalty, and believing in yourself
Few names in the world of professional wrestling carry the sheer weight and worldwide recognition of Hulk Hogan. For those of us who grew up during the golden age of wrestling, Hogan wasn’t just a larger-than-life character on our television screens — he was a real-life superhero. He was the man who taught millions of children (and quite a few adults) the value of courage, loyalty, and believing in yourself.
With his trademark handlebar moustache, ripped yellow vest, and unstoppable charisma, Hulk Hogan became the face of an era — the 1980s and early ’90s wrestling boom. He wasn’t just part of pop culture; he was pop culture. At a time when wrestling was fighting to be taken seriously as mainstream entertainment, Hogan bridged the gap, bringing it straight into the living rooms and hearts of families around the globe.
“Say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself” wasn’t just a slogan — it became a philosophy. Hogan gave kids a reason to cheer, to stand tall, and to believe that good would always triumph over evil. His matches were more than athletic contests — they were morality plays, where The Hulkster almost always overcame the odds with a thunderous comeback, a mighty leg drop, and a roar of triumph that shook the rafters.
But Hogan’s influence extended well beyond the ring. He starred in films, appeared on talk shows, lent his image to cartoons, and became one of the most recognisable personalities in the world. He helped build the WWE (then WWF) into the global juggernaut it is today. Without Hogan, there likely wouldn’t have been a wrestling renaissance. He laid the groundwork, brick by brick, with sweat, charisma, and undeniable star power.
Of course, like any man who has lived so loudly and publicly, Hulk Hogan’s life has seen ups and downs. But what defines him most is not the fall, but the way he continues to get back up. He has remained a fighter — not just in the scripted drama of the ring, but in real life, overcoming personal challenges and health battles with resilience and dignity.
What all of us admire most about Hulk Hogan is the sheer joy and inspiration he brought to so many. Generations of fans still remember the feeling of tearing off imaginary shirts, flexing their arms, and calling out “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” It was magic — and that magic never really left us.
To Hulk Hogan — thank you for the memories, the inspiration, the showmanship, and the heart. You made us believe in heroes. You reminded us that with passion, strength, and a bit of Hulkamania in our souls, we can rise above anything.
You may have hung up the boots, but in our eyes, you’ll always be the real American — and forever the champion.
