Hulk Hogan dies aged 71

The legendary WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan has died aged 71.

Police have said emergency services responders treated Hogan at his home in Clearwater, Florida, for cardiac arrest at around 10am local time (3pm UK time) today but he died in hospital around an hour and 15 minutes later. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, is perhaps the most iconic star in WWE's five-decade history - known for his distinctive blonde moustache and colourful headbands.

His charisma and theatrics in the ring are credited with helping to transform professional wrestling into a family entertainment sport. Hogan was the main draw for the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years in its signature event, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon.

He claimed his first WWE world championship by defeating the Iron Sheik in 1984. Hogan went on to win five more world championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone.

Undertaker among WWE icons to pay tribute WWE said in a post this evening: "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's friend and fellow former professional wrestler, Ric Flair, wrote on X: "I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan! Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. "An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!" Mr McMahon wrote on X after Hogan's death: "The world lost a treasure today.

Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world... He leaves us with one of his favourite expressions, 'Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.' Today, we pray for him." WWE icon The Undertaker wrote on X: "The wrestling world has lost a true legend.

His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan." Former WWE wrestler Triple H wrote on social media in a tribute to Hogan: "He was the archetype of what it meant to be a 'Superstar' - a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world." Hogan goes to Hollywood The wrestler was also able to transcend his "Hulkamania" fanbase to become a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, Hogan Knows Best.

His notable movie appearances include playing Thunderlips in Rocky III and Shep Ramsey in Suburban Commando. In 2024, he appeared at the Republican National Convention to endorse the presidential bid of Donald Trump.

Hogan said he made the decision to support the Republican candidate after seeing his combative, fist-pumping reaction to an attempted assassination on the campaign trail. In a reference to so-called "Hulkamania.