FILE – Hulk Hogan rips his shirt before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. AP/PTI
Hulk Hogan: A Legendary Introduction
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Terry Bollea later known to the world of WWE as Hulk Hogan was born in Augusta, Georgia, on August 11, 1953, and brought up in Tampa, Florida. Hogan began off as a bassist for a number of rock bands group before wrestling trainers noticed his enormous frame and height. In 1977, he appeared in his first appearance in professional wrestling after beginning to train under Hiro Matsuda. What came next was a quick ascent that would permanently alter the wrestling landscape.
Birth of Hulkamania
When Hogan joined WWF (now WWE) in the early 1980s, his real wrestling identity actually came to life. He has become a national WWE hero because of his legendary personality, yellow-and-red ring attire, and unique catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” After he crushed the Iron Sheikh to claim the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1984, The Hulkamania took off under His Hulk title.
Hulk Hogan’s WWE Legacy
Revolutionizing Professional Wrestling
The first nine WrestleMania events included Hulk Hogan as the star of the show in his time , facing off with famous Wrestlers like Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, and The Ultimate Warrior. His appearance on well-known platforms contributed to wrestling’s unprecedented rise in popular culture. He attracted millions of fans to the sport by serving as the face of the WWE Golden Era.
Hollywood Hogan and the nWo Era
Together along with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, Hogan shocked the world in 1996 by turning down the WCW and creating the New World Order (nWo). After changing his name to Hollywood Hogan, he once again transformed the business by portraying the antagonist in one of the most gripping plots in wrestling history. The popularity of WCW surged during this time, and Monday Night Wars was rekindled.
Later WWE Appearances and Hall of Fame Honors
Hogan returned to WWE for significant matches and appearances, despite his declining full-time wrestling career. He was included into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and the member of nWo in 2020. Hogan still has mass audience presence and cultural significance on WWE world.
Hulk Hogan’s Marriage Life
First Marriage: Linda Claridge (1983–2009)
Hulk Hogan and Linda Hogan during VH1 Big in ’05 at Sony Studios in Los Angeles.
Hulk Hogan married his first wife, Linda Claridge in 1983. The two had two children together: a son who was born in 1990 as Nick, and a daughter known as Brook was born in 1998. From 2005 to 2007, the family’s daily life was revealed to the famous reality show Hogan. But in 2009, the couple broke.
Second Marriage: Jennifer McDaniel (2010–2021)
Jennifer McDaniel and Hulk Hogan attend Brooke Hogan’s portrait unveiling on Aug. 11, 2011, in Miami.
In 2010, Hogan married Jennifer McDaniel, a professional makeup artist. The couple had a relatively private relationship but eventually divorced in 2021.
Third Marriage: Sky Daily (2023–2025)
Hulk Hogan and wife Sky Daily Hogan pose for a photo together in May 2024.
Hogan’s final marriage was to Sky Daily, a yoga instructor. They wed in September 2023, following a shared spiritual journey. Hogan frequently spoke about finding peace and love with Sky. They were baptized together in December 2023 in Church, marking a significant personal milestone for both fair. Sky Daily survives him, along with his two children.
Cause of Hulk Hogan’s Death
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Hulk Hogan experienced a sudden cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida July 24, 2025. After arriving at 09:51, paramedics organized CPR for more than half an hour. At 11:17 he was taken to Morton Plant Hospital and was declared dead.
The cause of death was identified as a natural heart failure, and the authorities confirmed that there was no dishonest game.
Health Struggles Before Death
Hogan had a four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in May 2025 as part of the neck surgery he had in the months before his death. His wife said that his heart was strong while he was recovering, but health rumors surfaced online but the family denied. Fans were more shocked by Hogan’s unexpected passing because he remained active on social media and optimistic about the future despite his surgeries and ongoing pain.
Tributes Pour In for the Immortal Hulk Hogan
WWE and Wrestling Community Reacts
WWE released an official statement mourning the death of “one of the most iconic and influential superstars in the history of WWE.” Fellow legends such as Ric Flair, John Cena, The Undertaker, and Triple H paid emotional tributes to Hogan’s influence and legacy.
Social Media Erupts with Grief
Hashtags like #RIPHulkHogan, #HulkamaniaForever, and #ThankYouHogan began trending worldwide within hours. Fans from around the globe shared photos, memories, and stories that highlighted his impact not just as a wrestler, but as a positive force in their lives.
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