US wrestling icon Hulk Hogan dies at 71

Hogan helped elevate US wrestling to a global phenomenon during the 1980s with his flair and bravado.

Hulk Hogan, the American sport and entertainment star who made professional wrestling a global phenomenon has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment said.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” World Wrestling Entertainment wrote in a social media post on Thursday. “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, whose legal name was Terry Bollea, became a universal symbol of WWE during the 1980s, with a beach-blonde handlebar moustache, bandanas, and towering physique that he paired with an over-the-top persona that endeared him to fans and captured the spectacle of wrestling entertainment.

Hulk Hogan fires up the crowd between matches at WrestleMania 21 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on April 3, 2005 [Chris Carlson/AP Photo]

Hogan’s flair and bravado helped elevate US wrestling entertainment into a global phenomenon during the 1980s. He later became more involved in US politics, offering a full-throated endorsement of Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

“Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” he said during a speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention as he ripped off his shirt. “Let Trumpamania rule again!”

Hogan also became one of the first WWE athletes to use his fame and success as a wrestler to pursue opportunities in Hollywood, appearing in films such as “Rocky III” and “Santa With Muscles”.

Source:

Al Jazeera and news agencies