The world of wrestling has lost its brightest star. Legendary WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away at 71, leaving millions of fans across the UK and beyond in shock and mourning. News broke late yesterday evening, with leading British sources confirming his death at his Florida home. Known to Britons for decades of electrifying WrestleMania moments and his unmistakable charisma, Hulk Hogan remained a household name that even those with little interest in wrestling would recognise.
“Hulkamania” and the Making of a Global Icon
Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, transformed the landscape of professional wrestling. He began his storied career in the 1970s but soared to global fame after joining WWE in 1983. UK viewers first encountered Hulk Hogan during the wrestling boom of the 1980s when he headlined events that became primetime television staples.
His persona – with the signature handlebar moustache, ripped yellow shirts, and roaring catchphrases – helped bring “Hulkamania” to living rooms across the UK. Many recall crowding around the family telly for the annual extravaganza of WrestleMania, especially iconic clashes such as Hogan versus André the Giant, which became part of wrestling folklore.
A Life Filled with Triumphs, Scandals, and Surgeries
Hulk Hogan was not just a champion in the ring. Britons saw him on talk shows, charity events, and even reality TV in the noughties. He starred in “Hogan Knows Best,” gathering viewers on both sides of the Atlantic. Yet, Hogan’s journey was far from simple. In his later years, he faced health issues, enduring multiple surgeries. Reports state he had undergone over 25 operations, especially on his neck and back, a toll from decades of action-packed performances.
Off-screen, Hogan also experienced controversy. In the past decade, he navigated personal and legal battles, including a famous lawsuit on privacy grounds that sent shockwaves through the US media landscape. The UK press covered his turbulent years as well, with many recalling his brief removal from the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015, only for him to be reinstated three years later.
His Final Days: What We Know
Hulk Hogan’s passing came after weeks of concern about his health. Emergency services responded to a call at his Clearwater, Florida residence on the morning of 24 July 2025. Medical teams confirmed Hogan suffered a cardiac event. His wife, Sky Daily, was present, as were his two children, Brooke and Nick. Despite swift intervention, Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.
Earlier this year, fans were reassured by Hogan’s family after rumours that he had been critically ill. Updates from his wife suggested he was recovering comfortably following a significant neck procedure in May. Nonetheless, the sad news arrived suddenly, catching his admirers off guard. The cause of death, while officially not disclosed, is widely reported as cardiac arrest.
Hulk Hogan’s Lasting Influence on UK Culture
Few American superstars made an imprint on UK pop culture like Hulk Hogan. He performed to sell-out crowds in British arenas, drawing headlines whenever WWE brought its tour to London, Manchester, or Glasgow. His visits were so significant that tabloid papers regularly featured him during wrestling peaks in the 1980s and 1990s.
Hulk Hogan inspired generations of British wrestlers who credit him as their hero. His “Real American” entrance music and signature moves continue to excite fans young and old. Even today, wrestling clubs across England, Scotland, and Wales display his memorabilia, and his legacy as a pioneer of sports entertainment is assured.
How the World Reacted to Hulk Hogan’s Death
As news of Hulk Hogan’s death spread, tributes poured in from the wrestling world, the sports community, and celebrities. Former WWE stars such as The Undertaker, John Cena, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted heartfelt messages on social media. Fellow British wrestling legends expressed their sorrow and thanked Hogan for putting wrestling on the world stage.
Political figures in both the US and UK acknowledged his cultural impact. In 2024, Hogan made headlines for his public support of Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention, an act that attracted both praise and criticism. Yet, most tributes in the UK have focused on his entertainment legacy and lifelong contribution to the sport.
The Man Behind the Bandana: Legacy in Britain
Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestler. He became a symbol of 1980s entertainment and inspired countless British fans to don their own red and yellow costumes at fancy dress parties. His ceaseless energy, booming voice, and larger-than-life persona helped professional wrestling transition from niche sporting attraction to mainstream family entertainment.
For the UK public, memories of Hulk Hogan live on in televised specials, video games, and even British talk-show appearances. You only have to visit a retro memorabilia shop in Camden or speak to wrestling enthusiasts in Manchester to understand the impact of his career.
Remembering Hulk Hogan: The WWE Hall of Famer
The WWE confirmed Hulk Hogan’s death late on 24 July 2025, stating that “one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures” has left the world. As a 12-time world champion and twice-inducted WWE Hall of Famer, his record is unlikely to be matched soon. For UK fans, the phrase “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” will echo for years to come.
Although Hulk Hogan’s passing has created a wave of sadness, the British public will continue to celebrate the legend who entertained millions and helped make wrestling what it is today. His journey, filled with unprecedented highs and dramatic lows, reflects the heart and spectacle that define WWE for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.
His legacy, both as Hulk Hogan and as Terry Bollea, is set in stone as one of wrestling’s most transformational figures.