Wrestling Legend, Hulk Hogan, Dead at Age 71

Hulk Hogan, Terry Gene Bollea, has died at age 71 of an apparent heart attack in his Florida home.

He  began his professional wrestling career in 1977 and featured prominently in World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE), World Championship Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.

His time with the WWE in the 1980s made him famous or he made them famous.

Hogan helped turn professional wrestling from a regional attraction to a mainstream phenomenon in the 1980s. He was larger-than-life. Hulk Hogan encouraged children to eat their vegetables and say their prayers as he grappled the villains known as heels. He became champion on six different occasions with the WWE.

“Whatcha Gonna Do When Hulkamania Runs Wild On You!” was one of his more popular catchphrases and he, as “The Hulkster” would put a hand behind his ear to hear the roar of the crowds.

Hogan, including his signature leg drop and 24-inch pythons, were synonymous with WrestleMania, the annual extravaganza put on by WWE.

“The Immortal One” as the character of Hogan was known as, headlined the first on March 31, 1985, alongside his tag team partner Mr. T and defeated “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.

Hogan parlayed his wrestling appeal by becoming a cultural icon himself, appearing on TV shows such as “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and the short-lived series “Thunder In Paradise,” which co-starred his longtime friend and manager “Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart. He also starred in movies like “Rocky III” and “Mr. Nanny.”

He was married three times and has two children. His current and third wife is Sky Daily.

He had his share of bad publicity from a sex tape, a racist comment, and a headlock that went awry. However, he always reinvented himself and recovered from it.

Sadly, the Hulk won’t come back this time.

President Trump issued a nice statement about the Hulkster.

We lost a great friend today, the “Hulkster.” Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!