In a moment that has left the wrestling world reeling, Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, delivered a devastating update on March 22, 2025, announcing the passing of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. The news, which broke late Saturday afternoon Pacific Time, sent shockwaves through fans, wrestlers, and the broader entertainment community, marking the end of an era for one of professional wrestling’s most legendary figures. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, was 71 years old, and his death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes across social media platforms like X, where “R.I.P Hogan” quickly became a trending topic.
Hulk Hogan’s career redefined professional wrestling. Rising to fame in the 1980s, he became the face of WWE—then WWF—during its golden age, headlining the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 alongside Mr. T. His larger-than-life persona, signature red-and-yellow attire, and catchphrases like “Hulkamania is running wild, brother!” turned him into a household name. Hogan’s achievements include six WWE Championships, a pivotal role in the Monday Night Wars with WCW, and the formation of the infamous nWo, which reshaped the industry. Beyond wrestling, he ventured into acting, reality TV, and even music, cementing his status as a pop culture icon.
Triple H, whose real name is Paul Levesque, shared the somber update via an emotional post on X at 5:48 PM PDT. “It’s with a heavy heart I share that Hulk Hogan has passed away,” he wrote. “He was a giant in this business, a friend, and an inspiration to millions. Rest in peace, brother.” The brevity of the statement belied its weight, leaving fans clamoring for details. As of now, no official cause of death has been disclosed, though speculation has begun to swirl online. Hogan had faced health challenges in recent years, including multiple surgeries and mobility issues, which he discussed openly in interviews and on social media.
The reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Fans flooded X with memories of Hogan’s greatest moments—dropkicks against Andre the Giant, body slams that shook arenas, and promos that electrified crowds. “Hulk Hogan was my childhood,” one user posted, alongside a photo of Hogan posing with the WWE title. Another wrote, “Hulkamania will live forever, even if the man is gone.” Current WWE stars, from Becky Lynch to Seth Rollins, echoed Triple H’s sentiments, with Rollins calling Hogan “the heartbeat of wrestling’s biggest boom.” Even rivals from Hogan’s WCW days, like Sting, offered condolences, highlighting the universal respect he commanded.
Hogan’s legacy, however, is not without complexity. His later years were marred by controversy, notably a 2015 scandal involving leaked racist remarks that led to his temporary banishment from WWE. The incident tarnished his image, though he was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 after public apologies and efforts at reconciliation. For some, this chapter remains a stain on his record; for others, it’s a footnote to a career that transcended the ring. Triple H’s update notably avoided these topics, focusing instead on Hogan’s contributions—a choice that reflects WWE’s intent to honor his in-ring impact above all.
Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1953, Hogan’s journey to stardom was unlikely. A musician and baseball player in his youth, he stumbled into wrestling after being spotted by promoters. His charisma and physique made him a natural, and under Vince McMahon’s vision, he became the cornerstone of WWE’s global expansion. Hogan’s influence extended beyond his prime, inspiring generations of wrestlers—Maven, a former WWE star, recently credited Hogan’s larger-than-life style as a motivator in his own career. That influence was evident in the tributes pouring in, with many noting how Hogan’s presence shaped their love for the sport.
As news of his passing spread, questions lingered about his final days. Hogan had been less active publicly in 2025, though he appeared at a Florida autograph signing in February, looking frail but spirited. Friends like Ric Flair had hinted at his struggles, with Flair posting cryptically last week, “Pray for my brother.” Whether his death was sudden or expected remains unclear, but the void it leaves is undeniable. WWE has yet to announce plans for a tribute, though a special on the WWE Network seems inevitable given Hogan’s stature.
For now, the wrestling world mourns. Hogan’s larger-than-life persona may have been a character, but the man behind it touched countless lives. From sold-out arenas to Saturday morning cartoons, his imprint is indelible. Triple H’s words—“a giant in this business”—ring true as fans say goodbye to the immortal Hulk Hogan, a titan whose legacy will endure long after the final bell.
