• Hulk Hogan, the legendary wrestler and pop culture icon, has died at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest.
• His impact on professional wrestling was monumental, helping to transform it into a global entertainment phenomenon in the 1980s.
• Hogan's career included six WWE championship titles and appearances in multiple films and television shows.
• Tributes have poured in from wrestling legends and fans alike, citing his influence and contributions to the industry.
• Despite controversy, including legal battles and past scandals, Hogan remained a significant figure in wrestling and beyond.

Hulk Hogan, the mustachioed wrestling icon known for his charismatic performances and larger-than-life persona, has died at the age of 71. Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was pronounced dead following a cardiac arrest after emergency responders arrived at his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning, according to police reports. His death has been confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which acknowledged his role in making professional wrestling a global phenomenon in the 1980s, stating, "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away" according to Indiatimes, ABC News, and Reuters.

Hogan’s rise to fame began in the early 1980s when he joined what was then the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and became synonymous with the "Hulkamania" phenomenon. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and became known for his feuds with celebrities and iconic wrestlers alike, including Andre the Giant and Randy Savage. He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, with his remarkable contributions emphasized by Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, and Channel News Asia.

His appeal extended beyond the ring; Hogan starred in films, hosted reality TV shows, and participated in multiple media projects. Nevertheless, his career was marked by controversies, including a 2015 suspension from WWE due to racist remarks that surfaced, and legal battles surrounding the release of a private sex tape which he won against Gawker Media in a landmark case. These complexities highlight both his contributions and challenges throughout his career, as discussed in articles from HuffPost, Business Insider, and BBC.

Following the announcement of his death, many within the wrestling community and beyond shared tributes. WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair expressed his shock and spoke of their friendship, stating, "Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!" This sentiment was echoed across various platforms as fans and fellow wrestlers remembered his impact on the sport, as reported by SFGate, Africa News, and Newsweek.