In a moment that left the wrestling world in shock, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H 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 wider 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, and his death prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media platforms like X, where “RIP 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—and later the WWF—during its golden age, headlining the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 alongside Mr. T. His larger-than-life persona, signature red-and-yellow, and catchphrases like “Hulkamania is running bro and bro!” made him a household name. Hogan’s accomplishments 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 television, 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 p.m. PDT. “It is with a heavy heart that 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 more details. As of now, no official cause of death has been released, though speculation has begun swirling 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 rocked 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 though 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 the biggest boom in wrestling.” Even rivals from Hogan’s WCW days, like Sting, offered condolences, highlighting the universal respect he commanded.
Hogan’s legacy, however, is not without its complexities. His later years were marred by controversy, including a 2015 scandal involving leaked racist remarks that led to his temporary banishment from WWE. The incident tarnished his image, though he was reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 after a public apology and reconciliation efforts. For some, this chapter remains a stain on his record; for others, it’s a footnote in 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 intention to honor his in-ring impact above all else.
Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1953, Hogan’s path to stardom was unlikely. A musician and baseball player in his youth, he stumbled into wrestling after being scouted 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 reached beyond his privileged and inspiring generations of wrestlers—Maven, a former WWE star, recently credited Hogan’s larger-than-life style as a motivator in his own career. This influence was evident in the tributes pouring in, with many noting how Hogan’s presence shaped their love of the sport.
As news of his passing spread, questions persisted about his final days. Hogan had been less publicly active 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 cryptically posting last week, “Pray for my brother.” Whether his death was sudden or expected remains unclear, but the void he 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 mark is indelible. Triple H’s words—”a giant in this business”—rejoice as fans bid farewell to the immortal Hulk Hogan, a Titan whose legacy will linger long after the final bell.
