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Yesterday, July 24, 2025, one of the most influential stars in sports entertainment Hulk Hogan was found dead at 71 years old at his home in Clearwater Florida. It was stated he passed away from Cardiac Arrest. The wrestling superstar has had 25 surgeries over the course of his career, which may have led his body taking a turn for the worse. If you are a beloved pro wrestling fan like myself, or a fan in any entertainment industry, the name Hulk Hogan is synonymous with the words to describe an "icon or "trailblazer". During the 1980's, the wrestling world skyrocketed and attracted many viewers due to its engaging matches and long term storytelling for generations to come. The business started to transcend from traditional to EVOLUTIONARY. Over the years, there have been many names that remind you of WWF or for current viewers WWE. Some of these names include Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ric Flair, The Rock, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, The Undertaker, John Cena, and many more. The one name that for me personally sticks out from all the rest is once again Hulk Hogan. He took the business WWF in new heights when he was an active performer. From appearing in commercials, films, having his own merchandise, and his captivating catchphrase "Say your prayers, and eat your vitamins", Hogan became a real life superhero and an inspiration to young boys at home. My father would always tell me he remembered seeing Hogan perform live and what a sight It was to see a megastar before your very eyes. In retrospect, he made an impact on every generation and continues to do so with the many characters WWE has been producing. When I look at the product today, I am amazed on what is happening whether that be streaming services like "Raw on Netflix", the "Make A Wish Foundation" and global events that have taken place in France, Saudi Arabia, and Scotland. The legacy and impact of" "Hulkamania" is widely known. Hulk Hogan has had many incredible moments as a performer, ambassador, and a mentor to new talent in the WWE. He is a 2 time WWE Hall Of Fame'r, multiple time world champion, and his latest venture was starting his own beer company called "Real American Beer". One of his memories as a performer that I will always see on the internet, that was simply legendary, was his match with The Rock at Wrestlemania 18 in 2002 at Toronto Ontario, Canada. At the age of 48 years old, he put on a classic match with "the great one" that delivered goosebumps throughout the arena. Many fans describe this moment as a passing of the torch to The Rock, as Hogan took a step back from the company and exited full time in the coming year. As the Rock surprisingly left the WWE on a hiatus in 2004 for Hollywood, there was a level of respect between both stars, learning to let the company evolve and thrive for years to come. Despite Hulk Hogan the wrestler's real life story as Terry Bollea being somewhat controversial over scandals and negative reports about him over the years, we all cannot deny the gracious contributions he has made and the standard he has set for others in the wrestling business. From having many wrestling beach shops in Florida, access to past matches on the internet, and the timeless memories wrestlers and him shared over these years, I can say this is a devastating time for many as we look back and remember the hero and man known as Hulk Hogan. I send my deepest condolences to his family and close friends. Fly high BROTHER!!! and rock on with Ozzy Osborne.
