Hulk Hogan, the professional wrestling legend whose larger-than-life persona helped transform WWE into a global phenomenon, has died at 71. The sports entertainer, born Terry Bollea, passed away Thursday following a reported cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. As tributes pour in for the WWE Hall of Famer, whose signature mustache, bandana, and “Hulkamania” battle cry inspired generations, the reaction has been mixed. While many are remembering Hogan’s contributions to wrestling and pop culture, others are grappling with the more complicated aspects of his legacy.
But Hogan’s story wasn’t without controversy. In 2015, a leaked audio recording revealed Hogan using a racial slur in a private conversation, comments that led to a swift backlash. He was temporarily removed from WWE’s Hall of Fame, and the incident cast a shadow over his career.
Hogan publicly apologized, acknowledging the language was hurtful and pledging to grow from the experience. Though he was reinstated into the Hall of Fame in 2020, the controversy remained a point of conversation, particularly among those who felt the apology didn’t go far enough. Just last year, Hogan faced renewed scrutiny after a former employee at his beer company accused him of racial discrimination, allegations Hogan denied.
As Fans Mourn Hulk Hogan, Others Reflect on His Controversies and Complex Legacy
Following news of his death, fans and celebrities took to social media to honor the man who once stood as a hero in the ring, while others noted the ongoing impact of his past remarks. For some, his death marks the loss of an icon whose larger-than-life energy and charisma defined a generation of wrestling. For others, it’s a moment to reflect on the complexities of fame, forgiveness, and accountability.
“Damn Hulk Hogan kicked the bucket too?! Two racists in one week?! Can we go for a third????” someone wrote on X, seemingly referring to the death of Ozzy Osbourne, who had also found himself in controversy over the years. “The racist Hulk Hogan is dead,” another chimed in, as others pointed to his support for Donald Trump. “Hulk Hogan ruined whatever legacy he had by being a fascist Trump supporter in the end,” one X user said.
In his later years, Hogan spoke openly about the physical toll wrestling took on his body, revealing he had undergone more than 25 surgeries in a single decade. He also credited his faith, family, and a new focus on health with helping him rebuild his life after personal struggles, including the fallout from his divorce and legal battles.
