Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies At 71: Net worth, Career Milestones, And Life Beyond The Ring

Hulk Hogan , the wrestling titan who helped turn WWE into a global phenomenon, has died at the age of 71. The man behind the iconic “Hulkamania” legacy wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a pop culture force whose life was as dramatic outside the ring as it was inside.

What Happened to Hulk Hogan?

Just weeks after undergoing neck surgery, Hogan was reportedly recovering well at home. His wife, Sky Daily, said he was in good spirits. But tragedy struck suddenly—Hogan collapsed and couldn’t be revived, with early reports suggesting a cardiac arrest. For fans, the shock was real—especially after recent signs of recovery.

From Baseball Dreams to Wrestling Glory

Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Georgia, Hogan was once a promising baseball player in Florida. But an injury redirected his path—and at 16, he discovered professional wrestling. By 1977, he debuted under a mask as "The Super Destroyer," before earning the name “Hulk Hogan” thanks to his Hulk-like physique.

Hulkamania Takes Over the World

Hogan’s rise exploded in 1983 when he returned to WWF (now WWE) under Vince McMahon Jr. His win over The Iron Sheik in 1984 marked the start of “Hulkamania.” He headlined the first nine WrestleManias, feuded with legends like André the Giant, and became the face of wrestling in the '80s.

Reinventing Himself in WCW

In the '90s, Hogan shocked fans by turning heel and forming the New World Order (nWo) in WCW. The move revived his popularity and reshaped wrestling's narrative style. His bold reinvention helped WCW challenge WWF’s dominance.

A Triumphant Return and Final Years in WWE

Back in WWE by 2002, Hogan squared off with stars like The Rock and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. Though temporarily cut off in 2015 due to a racist rant, he was reinstated in 2018 and made occasional appearances thereafter.

Net Worth: Fame, Fortune, and Financial Fallout

At the time of his death, Hogan’s net worth stood at around $25 million. He once earned tens of millions through wrestling, films, merchandise, and endorsements. But a lavish lifestyle, a messy divorce, and legal woes—including the Gawker lawsuit—took a toll. Hogan himself admitted to burning through “hundreds of millions.”

From Wrestling Ring to Hollywood Spotlight

Hogan’s charisma took him beyond the ring. His Hollywood break came in Rocky III as “Thunderlips.” He went on to star in cult favourites like No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, and Suburban Commando. His TV show Hogan Knows Best offered fans a peek into his turbulent home life.

Love, Loss, and Public Scandals

Married three times, Hogan’s love life drew heavy media attention. His 2007 divorce from first wife Linda cost him nearly 70% of their shared wealth. After a second marriage to Jennifer McDaniel, he wed Sky Daily in 2023. Meanwhile, controversies—including a leaked sex tape—kept his name in headlines for years.

Gawker Lawsuit: The Scandal That Shook Media

In 2012, a sex tape leaked by Gawker led to one of the most explosive media lawsuits of all time. Backed by billionaire Peter Thiel, Hogan sued for invasion of privacy. He won $140 million (later settled for $31 million), forcing Gawker into bankruptcy—and sparking a legal debate over press freedom and privacy.

WWE Pays Tribute

Following his passing, WWE honoured Hogan with a heartfelt statement: “WWE is saddened to learn legendary WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans..”

The End of an Era, The Start of a Legacy

Hogan’s impact went far beyond body slams and championships. He made wrestling cool, created unforgettable moments, and became a face people recognised across generations. He may have left the world in 2025, but his roar of “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” will echo forever.

Hulk Hogan didn’t just live a big life—he lived a legendary one.


Disclaimer: The information provided is based on public records, media sources, and financial disclosures. Figures like Hulk Hogan’s net worth and income are estimates and may change with updated data.