Remembering Hulk Hogan: Early WWE career highlights, legacy, and controversies | WWE News
In a shocking incident, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has reportedly passed away due to a cardiac arrest in Florida on July 24, 2025. Reports suggest that multiple police units and EMTs were seen outside Hogan’s home on Thursday, and the WWE icon was carried out on a stretcher and rushed into an ambulance. However, the WWE icon succumbed to cardiac arrest. This sudden and unfortunate demise of the wrestling star has left the fans and the WWE Universe mourning. Hulk Hogan was known among his fans for his larger-than-life persona, charismatic presence, and legendary catchphrases. Hogan became a household name during the 1980s and 1990s in the wrestling community. Let’s take a look at the rich legacy that he has left behind in WWE.
Early career
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history. Hulk Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977, debuting in Florida Championship Wrestling (CWF) after receiving training under Hiro Matsuda. He initially performed as “The Super Destroyer” and later as the “Boulder Brothers” with Ed Leslie. However, he joined the WWF in 1979, and it was the time when he adopted the ring name “Hulk Hogan” after impressing Vince McMahon Sr. He also wrestled in New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Championship in 1983.
The WWE icon won his first WWF Championship and became a pop culture icon, headlining WrestleMania and feuding with stars like Andre the Giant and Randy Savage. His unique style and wrestling prowess made him an iconic wrestler in the 1980s.
Legacy
The WWE Hall of Famer has been described as one of the largest attractions in professional wrestling history and a major reason why Vince McMahon’s expansion of his promotion worked. According to Dave Meltzer, “You can’t possibly overrate his significance in the history of the business. And he sold more tickets to wrestling shows than any man who ever lived.”One of the memorable bouts of Hogan’s life was a fight with Andre the Giant. Early reports suggest that the 1988 Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant showdown on NBC drew a record-breaking 33 million viewers, making it the most-watched wrestling match in US television history.To celebrate his great contributions, WWE inducted the legend back in the year 2005, as a WWE Hall of Famer, and inducted him a second time in 2020 as a member of the nWo.
Controversies
Hulk Hogan, who was once revered as the face of WWE’s golden era, the WWE icon’s later years shadowed by controversy. From leaked tapes to racial slurs, his public image took repeated blows. In 2012, Hulk Hogan was at the center of major controversy when a private sex tape of the wrestler went viral, leading to a massive legal battle. Later, Hogan sued for invasion of privacy and was awarded by a Florida jury in 2016.In addition to this, Hogan also faced severe backlash when he was caught using racial slurs. Following this, the WWE swiftly terminated his contract and removed him from the Hall of Fame, which was later restored. Also Read: WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan passes away at 71 | WWE News – Times of IndiaAnother controversy about Hulk Hogan was his controversial divorce from Linda Hogan, who accused Hulk Hogan of cheating with their daughter Brooke’s best friend, Christine Plante. The controversy exploded when Plante confirmed the affair, claiming it happened during a rocky time in the Hogans’ marriage.
