Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has d!ed aged 71.
The WWE icon passed away early Thursday morning, July 24, after medics were dispatched to his Clearwater, Florida home, per TMZ.
First responders responded to the home after receiving a call about a “cardiac arrest,” according to TMZ.
Paramedics and police patrol were reportedly parked outside of Hogan’s home on Thursday morning.
Hogan was wheeled out of his home on a stretcher and into an ambulance, TMZ reported.
The wrestling icon’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
The World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed Hogan death in a statement, “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.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, grew up in Florida. The WWE Hall of Fame wrestler, known for walking out to his theme song “Real American,” represented national patriotism within the wrestling world. He soared to fame in the 1980s after winning against the Iron Sheik and cementing “Hulkamania” momentum in one of the most culturally impactful matches of his career. That fight made him the World Wrestling Federation’s heavyweight winner.
He later lost the championship title competing against Andre the Giant in 1988. Hogan stepped away from the WWF (now known as WWE) in the 1990s after a steroid controversy. The ’90s also saw the wrestler further his acting pursuits. He had already played a part in 1982’s “Rocky III,” and his Hollywood career continued with roles in 1990’s “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” 1991’s “Suburban Commando,” 1993’s “Mr. Nanny” and 1996’s “Santa With Muscles.”
Hogan decided to fight for World Championship Wrestling, a WWE competitor, in 1994. He debuted his heel persona, Hollywood Hogan, in 1996, and rejoined WWE in the early 2000s.
