Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, closed his eyes forever on July 24, 2025, causing deep grief among millions of fans worldwide. The famous wrestling star suffered a fatal heart attack at his home in Florida, marking the end of a remarkable career.
Before becoming a global icon, Bollea had ambitions to become a rock musician. As a young bass guitarist in several local bands in Florida, he seemed far from the world of professional wrestling. A fateful moment occurred when the Brisco brothers noticed him during a musical performance and recommended him to trainer Hiro Matsuda.
Initially using pseudonyms like "Sterling Golden" and "Super Destroyer", Bollea gradually transformed into the muscular hero the world would come to know as Hulk Hogan. His physique and charisma distinguished him from other wrestlers, and his appearance alongside Lou Ferrigno in the TV series "The Incredible Hulk" brought him the nickname that would accompany him throughout his life.
His career in WWE was marked by incredible achievements. The memorable match with Andre the Giant in 1988 remains unrivaled, attracting an incredible 33 million viewers. Hogan was not just a wrestler - he was a cultural phenomenon who inspired generations with his messages of strength and self-confidence.
Outside the ring, Hulk Hogan developed a successful acting career. He appeared in over 15 films, including cult titles like "Suburban Commando" and "Mr. Nanny". Even the political scene did not go unnoticed by his influence - Donald Trump defined him as a "great friend" and praised him for his support during the presidential campaign.
Few people know that behind the muscular image stands a martial arts master - Hogan holds a black belt in karate, which further emphasizes his physical preparation. Despite his fame, he went through multiple health challenges, including over ten surgical operations on his back, knees, and hips.
A less known project of his was the animated series "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling" from the 80s, which introduced the wrestling world to a younger audience. An interesting fact is that he almost refused to participate in the film "Rocky 3", but later changed his mind, creating one of the most memorable scenes with Sylvester Stallone.
The name "Hulk Hogan" was not just a pseudonym, but an officially registered WWE trademark, over which Bollea waged long-standing legal battles. His legacy transcends the boundaries of sports - he was a symbol of American popular culture.
The world of sports and entertainment lost one of its brightest stars. Hulk Hogan remains in history not just as a wrestling legend, but as a cultural icon who inspired millions worldwide.