WWE Legend Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71

St Pete Certified joins the world in mourning the loss of Hulk Hogan (Terry Gene Bollea), who died early Thursday, July 24, 2025, at his Clearwater, Florida home of cardiac arrest (Decider). Hogan was 71.

Cardiac Arrest at Clearwater Home

Emergency crews from Pinellas County Fire & EMS responded to Hogan’s residence at 9:51 AM Thursday, after a call reporting cardiac arrest. Police and EMTs found Hogan unresponsive, administered on-scene care, and transported him by stretcher to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A press conference with law-enforcement officials is expected later today.

Hulk Hogan in the wrestling ring, wearing a red “Hulkamania” bandana and cupping his ear to the crowd — WWE icon Hulk Hogan rallies fans with his signature ear-cupping pose during a live event.

A Trailblazing Career

Hulkamania took the world by storm when Hogan captured the WWF World Heavyweight Championship from the Iron Sheik in 1984. His charisma and family-friendly theatrics helped transform professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment. Key milestones include:

WWF Champion (6×): Four-time WWF Champion in the 1980s, plus two WCW Championships.
nWo Founder (1996): Reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hogan and co-founded the New World Order, a storyline that fueled the Monday Night Wars.
WrestleMania Matches: Iconic bouts with André the Giant at WrestleMania III and “The Rock” at WrestleMania X8.
Hall of Fame Inductee: Entered the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005; reinstated in 2020 as part of the nWo.

Beyond the Ring

Hogan also made a mark in Hollywood, starring as Thunderlips in “Rocky III” and headlining films such as “No Holds Barred” and “Suburban Commando.” On television, his family-centric reality show “Hogan Knows Best” brought wrestling culture into millions of homes. In 2024, he launched the Real American Freestyle amateur league on Fox Nation, set to debut in August.

Remembering Hogan’s Legacy in St. Pete

Although Hogan lived in Clearwater, his impact reached every corner of Tampa Bay. St. Pete Certified recalls:

Local Appearances: Friendly meet-and-greets at WrestleCon Tampa and charity events in Pinellas County.
Community Champion: Hogan often supported youth sports and veteran causes through his “Hulkamania Gives Back” charity.
Iconic Imagery: His red-and-yellow colors and “Hulkamania” slogan became synonymous with Florida’s wrestling heritage.

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Tag @StPeteCertified on Instagram or Facebook with your favorite Hogan memories and photos. We’ll feature select tributes in our Stories and across our blog.