Online Reporter
FLORIDA. — One of professional wrestling’s greatest icons, Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71, following a heart attack, according to initial reports.
American media reports that the WWE legend was found without signs of life in his home in Clearwater, Florida, yesterday According to TMZ, emergency crews arrived at the scene after an emergency 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest. 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.
With his iconic look and irreplaceable energy in the ring, he transformed WWE into a global phenomenon.
In 1993, he temporarily left WWE to pursue a career in acting, but he always remained a figure who represented the heart of professional wrestling. The news of his passing has shocked the sports world and millions of fans around the globe.
In a statement, WWE said: “WWE is saddened to learn Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. 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 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”. Wrestling legend Ric Flair paid tribute to Hogan on social media and wrote: “I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @hulkhogan! Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business.” –Agencies
