Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon and Self-Proclaimed 'Almost Metallica Bassist', Dies at 71

Hulk Hogan, one of the most famous names in professional wrestling and an unexpected figure in heavy metal lore, has died at the age of 71.

The wrestling legend, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away Thursday morning after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. The news was confirmed by TMZ Sports, which reported that emergency services were dispatched to the scene around 9:51 a.m.

Clearwater Fire & Rescue medics attempted to revive him on site. He was later transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to a statement from Clearwater Police, there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity. Hogan was declared dead at 11:17 a.m.

Recent Health Concerns

In recent months, rumors about Hogan’s health had circulated online, with some claiming the former WWE star was in a coma.

His wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, had previously denied those claims, saying his heart was “strong” and that he was recovering from a neck surgery performed in May.

While it remains unclear whether his death was connected to that procedure, Hogan had undergone multiple surgeries over the years due to decades of physical punishment in and out of the wrestling ring.

Wrestling Career

Hogan began his career in the 1970s in Florida. By the early 1980s, he had developed his signature “Hulkamania” persona, complete with ripped T-shirts, bright yellow gear, and his famous catchphrase: “What’cha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!”

His rise helped transform WWF (now WWE) from a regional promotion into a global entertainment brand. Hogan was central to the launch of WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship event. At WrestleMania I, he teamed with Mr. T to defeat Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff in the main event. Later, at WrestleMania III, Hogan lifted and body-slammed Andre the Giant in front of over 78,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, one of the most replayed moments in pro wrestling history.

He later made headlines again by turning heel and creating the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash in WCW, helping that promotion briefly overtake WWE in ratings during the late 1990s.

Legal Battles and Controversies

In 1994, Hogan testified in the federal steroid trial of Vince McMahon, admitting he had used steroids prescribed by a doctor but denying any involvement by McMahon.

Years later, Hogan was involved in a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker after they published a secretly recorded sex tape in which Hogan was also heard making racist remarks.

He won the case and received a $140 million judgment, which led to Gawker’s bankruptcy.

He was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015, only to be reinstated in 2020, this time as a member of nWo.

Pop Culture and TV

Beyond wrestling, Hogan was a staple in 1980s and 1990s pop culture. His film career began in 1982 with a role in Rocky III, where he played Thunderlips, an over-the-top wrestler who fights Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky in an exhibition match.

He starred in other films like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. Hogan also appeared in TV shows such as Baywatch and The A-Team, and starred in the short-lived series Thunder in Paradise.

In the mid-2000s, his family was featured in VH1’s Hogan Knows Best, which chronicled his home life with then-wife Linda, daughter Brooke, and son Nick.

That Metallica Story

So yeah, you read that right, one of the strangest recurring claims in Hogan’s later years involved Metallica. Over the years he insisted that he had either auditioned for or had been considered to play bass for the legendary metal band. He said he reached out to them after Jason Newsted left the group in 2001.

In an interview with The Sun, Hogan even claimed he and Lars Ulrich were “big pals” and that Lars had once asked him to play bass in the band’s early days. He said he had even tried to reach out through Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead to get in touch with them.

Metallica, for their part, has repeatedly denied these stories. Ulrich told The Howard Stern Show he didn’t recall ever speaking to Hogan. James Hetfield, when shown a photoshopped image of Hogan in the band, dismissed it with a quick, “Definitely not.”

Hogan never backed down from the tale, even saying he would have quit wrestling if Metallica had called him in.

Final Years

In 2024, Hogan made headlines with an appearance at the Republican National Convention, where he delivered a speech in support of Donald Trump.

Just months before his death, he announced plans to launch Real American Freestyle, a new amateur wrestling league, with the first event scheduled for August.

His last WWE appearance was during the Netflix debut of Monday Night Raw on January 6.

Survived by Family

Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, and his children Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage to Linda Hogan, which ended in divorce in 2007.

He married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, but the couple divorced in 2022.

WWE Statement

WWE issued a public statement on Thursday, calling Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures.” The statement added: “Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan’s contributions to wrestling and entertainment left a lasting impact. In the ring, on screen, or in wild tales involving Metallica, Hulk Hogan never stopped being a showman.

RIP Hogan 🤘

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