After rumors swirled about wrestling icon Hulk Hogan’s health, it was confirmed Thursday that he had died. Hogan was 71 years old.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” said WWE in an X post. “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 is the stage name of Tony Bollea, a Georgia native known for his long wrestling career. He remained a key figure in “sports-entertainment” according to World Wrestling Entertainment and is beloved by his “Hulkamaniac” fans.
TMZ first reported the WWE wrestler’s death. According to the outlet, medics were dispatched to his Clearwater, Fla., home early Thursday morning for a reported “cardiac arrest” incident.
“We’re told a slew of police cars and EMTs were parked outside Hogan’s home... and the icon was carried on a stretcher and into an ambulance,” TMZ said. It noted that his wife, Sky recently denied rumors that her husband was in a coma and said his heart was “strong” as he recovered from surgeries.
In a Tuesday X post, wrestling manager Jimmy Hart said: “Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal! Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!”
Just this week, the Hollywood Reporter said that Fox Nation announced it will be the exclusive broadcast partner for Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff’s Real American Freestyle wrestling league.
“The inaugural event, ‘RAF01,’ will take place on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland,” said the report.