N※N

Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : siege
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : siege
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

Hulk Hogan dies at 71: Sports world mourns the passing of wrestling legend | Sporting News

Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71: A Look Back at the Life and Legacy of a WWE Superstar

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the world of professional wrestling and beyond, Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life figure who defined an era of sports entertainment, has died at the age of 71. The news, confirmed by close family members and representatives, marks the end of an extraordinary journey for Terry Gene Bollea, better known to millions as Hulk Hogan. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of fans who grew up chanting "Hulkamania" and witnessing his epic battles in the ring. While the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain private at the request of his family, tributes have poured in from fellow wrestlers, celebrities, and fans alike, celebrating a man who transcended wrestling to become a cultural phenomenon.

Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Terry Bollea's early life was far removed from the glitz and glamour of WWE stardom. Raised in Tampa, Florida, after his family relocated, Bollea was an athletic youth with a passion for music and sports. He played bass guitar in local bands during his teenage years, dreaming of rock stardom before fate steered him toward wrestling. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches and weighing over 300 pounds in his prime, Bollea's physique made him a natural fit for the squared circle. He began training in the late 1970s under the guidance of Hiro Matsuda, a legendary Japanese wrestler who broke Bollea's leg on his first day of training—a brutal initiation that only fueled his determination.

Hogan's professional wrestling debut came in 1977, wrestling under various names like "The Super Destroyer" before adopting the moniker that would make him famous. His big break arrived in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1979, where he was initially managed by "Classy" Freddie Blassie. However, it was his return to the WWF in 1983, after a stint in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and a memorable role in Rocky III as Thunderlips, that catapulted him to superstardom. Vince McMahon Jr., the visionary behind WWF's national expansion, saw in Hogan the perfect all-American hero to anchor his promotion. With his signature red and yellow attire, bandana, and mustache, Hogan embodied the heroic archetype, preaching the gospel of "training, prayers, and vitamins" to impressionable young fans.

The 1980s were the golden age of Hulkamania, a phenomenon that turned wrestling into mainstream entertainment. Hogan's first WWF Championship win came on January 23, 1984, when he defeated The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden in a match that lasted under six minutes but ignited a revolution. Over the next decade, he headlined multiple WrestleManias, facing off against icons like Andre the Giant, Randy "Macho Man" Savage, and The Ultimate Warrior. The bodyslam heard 'round the world at WrestleMania III in 1987, where Hogan lifted and slammed the 500-pound Andre, remains one of wrestling's most iconic moments, drawing a record indoor attendance of over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome.

Beyond the ring, Hogan's charisma made him a pop culture staple. He starred in films like No Holds Barred (1989) and Suburban Commando (1991), hosted Saturday Night's Main Event, and even ventured into music with his album Hulk Rules. His larger-than-life persona extended to philanthropy, where he championed causes like children's hospitals and anti-drug campaigns, often visiting sick kids in character to bring smiles and hope. Hogan's influence helped WWE transition from regional territories to a global empire, paving the way for stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.

However, Hogan's career was not without its controversies and setbacks. In the mid-1990s, he jumped ship to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he formed the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. This heel turn in 1996, where Hogan shockingly betrayed his heroic image to become "Hollywood" Hogan, revitalized WCW and sparked the Monday Night Wars, a ratings battle that pushed wrestling to new heights. Yet, personal scandals marred his later years. In 2015, a leaked sex tape and racially insensitive remarks led to his firing from WWE and a temporary erasure from the company's history. Hogan sued Gawker Media over the tape, winning a $140 million judgment that bankrupted the outlet—a case that highlighted issues of privacy and media ethics.

Despite these lows, Hogan's resilience shone through. He was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, and in recent years, he made sporadic appearances, including at WrestleMania events, where he was met with thunderous applause. His reality TV show Hogan Knows Best (2005-2007) offered a glimpse into his family life with then-wife Linda, daughter Brooke, and son Nick, though it also documented the family's public struggles, including a high-profile divorce in 2009 and Nick's involvement in a tragic car accident.

Hogan's impact on wrestling is immeasurable. He held the WWF Championship for a combined 2,185 days across six reigns, a record that stood for decades. His feuds and storylines, from the Mega Powers explosion with Savage to his battles with Ric Flair in WCW, defined generations. Peers like John Cena have credited Hogan with inspiring their careers, noting how he turned wrestling into a spectacle that appealed to families worldwide. Even outside wrestling, Hogan's catchphrases like "Whatcha gonna do, brother?" and his Hulk Rules merchandise empire generated millions, making him one of the highest-earning wrestlers ever.

In his later years, Hogan battled health issues, including multiple back surgeries stemming from years of high-impact moves like his signature leg drop. He openly discussed the toll of the business, advocating for better wrestler safety and reflecting on the physical price of fame. Despite retiring from full-time competition in the early 2000s, he remained active in the industry, launching podcasts, merchandise lines, and even a brief political flirtation, including a rumored run for U.S. Senate in the 1990s.

As news of his passing spreads, the wrestling community has united in grief and celebration. WWE issued a statement calling Hogan "the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most demanded attraction in the history of the business." Triple H, WWE's chief content officer, tweeted, "Hulk Hogan didn't just change wrestling; he changed the world. Rest in peace, brother." Fellow legends like Ric Flair shared emotional videos, recounting backstage stories and the unbreakable bond they shared. Fans have flooded social media with memories, from childhood Hulk Hogan action figures to attending live events where his entrance music, "Real American," brought arenas to their feet.

Hogan's family, including his current wife Jennifer and children, have asked for privacy during this difficult time, but they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love. A public memorial is expected, with details forthcoming, likely to be a star-studded affair befitting his status. In death, as in life, Hulk Hogan reminds us of the power of perseverance and showmanship. He wasn't just a wrestler; he was an icon who taught us to believe in ourselves, to fight through adversity, and to always say our prayers and take our vitamins.

Hulkamania may have run its course, but its spirit lives on eternally. Terry Bollea, the man behind the myth, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire for generations. From the humble beginnings in Tampa to the bright lights of WrestleMania, Hogan's story is one of triumph, controversy, and undeniable impact. Rest easy, Hulkster—the ring will never be the same without you.

(Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/wwe/news/hulk-hogan-dies-71-wrestling-wwe-superstar/312a37e3f9419a1685249fb9 ]