Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 24, 2025 · Entertainment

The Final Chapter: Hulk Hogan's Legacy and Shocking Death

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died aged 71 - pictured December 2024

SHOCKING DEATH OF WRESTLING LEGEND HULK HOGAN: A COMPLICATED LEGACY AND FAMILY FEUDS

The wrestling world is in mourning today as news of Hulk Hogan's death at the age of 71 has sent shockwaves around the globe. The WWE icon, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, passed away early Thursday morning after being rushed to the hospital with cardiac arrest. But beneath the surface of this tragic event lies a complex web of secrets, scandals, and family feuds that have left fans reeling.

According to sources close to the family, Hogan's health had been declining in recent months, with his representatives denying rumors of his impending death just weeks ago. His wife, Sky, claimed that Hogan's heart was "strong" after he underwent a routine neck surgery, but clearly, his body had other plans. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with fans and fellow wrestlers alike taking to social media to pay their respects.

The WWE icon passed away early Thursday morning after medics were dispatched to his Clearwater, Florida home - pictured January 2025

But Hogan's legacy is far from untainted. In 2015, the wrestling legend was banned from the WWE after a tape surfaced of him making racist remarks, including using the n-word multiple times. Hogan claimed that he had been hacked and that the video was edited to make him look bad, but many were unconvinced by his apology. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for him to be permanently banned from the sport.

In a bizarre twist, Hogan later described the controversy as "a speed bump" in an interview, claiming that it was not who he truly was. But the damage had already been done, and his reputation was left tarnished forever. Despite this, Hogan was welcomed back into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, sparking a heated debate among fans about whether he deserved to be reinstated.

But Hogan's personal life has also been marred by controversy. His daughter Brooke has spoken out about the family's troubled past, claiming that her father's addiction and infidelity had torn them apart. In recent months, Brooke has been at war with her mother Linda, who she accuses of being abusive and manipulative. The drama escalated in March when Brooke fired back at her mom, insisting that her father was not the only reason behind their estrangement.

In the 1980s, Hogan was the driving force behind WWE's rise from a regional promotion around New York to an international brand - pictured 1991 - but saw his legacy tainted by a racism scandal in 2015

Sources close to the family have revealed that Brooke learned of her dad's death on Thursday morning when her brother Nick texted her husband to share the news. According to insiders, Brooke and Hogan had a final conversation two weeks before he married Sky in September 2023, during which she urged him to slow down and enjoy life given his declining health.

But despite their complicated past, Brooke has been vocal about her love for her father. In an emotional statement, she revealed that she was grateful to have one final chance to tell him she loved him, despite their estrangement in recent years. "I'm at peace knowing I did everything I could to protect and support him," she said.

As the wrestling world comes to terms with Hogan's passing, many are left wondering what his legacy will truly be remembered for. Will it be his incredible athleticism and charisma in the ring, or the scandals and controversies that have dogged him throughout his career? One thing is certain: Hulk Hogan may be gone, but his complicated legacy will live on forever.

TRIBUTES ROLL IN FOR HOGAN

As news of Hogan's passing spread like wildfire, tributes began pouring in from around the world. WWE legend Ric Flair was among those to pay their respects, calling Hogan a "great friend" and a "patriot." Former MLB pitcher John Rocker echoed similar sentiments, praising Hogan as a "true American."

But not everyone was so kind. The Athletic's Chris Vannini noted that Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy, citing his racist remarks and troubled past. "He changed the entertainment business," he wrote. "He changed the journalism business. He did bad things and good things. One of the two greatest pro wrestlers ever, and he never stopped selling the gimmick."

The WWE icon passed away early Thursday morning after medics were dispatched to his Clearwater, Florida home, per TMZ - pictured

As for Hogan's family, it remains to be seen how they will cope with their loss. His wife Sky is said to be devastated by his passing, while Brooke has spoken out about her gratitude for having one final chance to tell him she loved him.

HOGAN'S FINAL YEARS: FROM WRESTLING LEGEND TO FAMILY FEUDS

In the years leading up to his death, Hogan had been struggling with health issues. In 2021, he underwent a neck surgery that left him in excruciating pain. His representatives claimed at the time that he was "in good spirits" despite the setbacks.

The shock death comes just weeks after his wife Sky denied rumors he was on his deathbed in a coma - and claimed his heart was 'strong' after he underwent a routine neck surgery - pictured together July 2024

But behind the scenes, sources close to the family revealed a more complicated picture. Hogan's marriage to Jennifer McDaniel ended in divorce in 2021, leaving many wondering what had caused the split.

It wasn't long before Hogan moved on, marrying Sky in September 2023. But even this new chapter was marred by controversy. Insiders claimed that Brooke and her husband were not invited to the wedding, sparking rumors of a deep-seated feud between Hogan's family members.

As for Hogan himself, it seems he was struggling with his own demons. Sources close to the family revealed that he had been using prescription medication to manage his pain, leading some to speculate about his mental health.

Fans were left concerned for Hogan when he appeared as a special guest on Fox & Friends at the start of May while sporting a worrying new look

Despite these challenges, Hogan remained defiant until the end. In a final interview, he spoke about his love of wrestling and his commitment to staying in shape despite his advanced age.

But beneath the bravado lay a more vulnerable person struggling to cope with his own mortality. As one insider put it: "Hulk was a fighter, but even the greatest fighters can't win every battle."

A LEGACY FOREVER TARNISHED

More recently, Hogan became a celebrity endorser for Trump's presidential campaign in the United States, which he went on to win

As we say goodbye to Hulk Hogan, it's hard not to wonder what his legacy will truly be remembered for. Will it be the countless fans he inspired with his athleticism and charisma in the ring? Or will it be the scandals and controversies that have dogged him throughout his career?

One thing is certain: Hulk Hogan may be gone, but his complicated legacy will live on forever.

IN MEMORIAM

Hogan is pictured at Trump's campaign rally in NYC in October 2024

The wrestling world has lost a true legend today. But as we remember Hulk Hogan's life and achievements, let us not forget the complexities and controversies that surrounded him until the end.

Hulk Hogan (1953-2024) - you may be gone, but your legacy will live on forever.

[Source: The Scholarly Note]

The star is pictured with daughter Brooke, second ex wife Linda and son Nick in 2005

The star looked happy and healthy as he  posed up with Governor Ron Desantis in May 2025 in his final photos

Hogan posed for a fun group snap in May

Hogan kickstarted 'Hulkamania' after defeating the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984

Hogan´s public persona transcended the ring, making him a household name. He appeared in numerous movies - including the third Rocky film in 1982, where he played wrestler Thunderlips, who took on Stallone's protagonist

Stallone paid an emotional tribute to his longtime friend on Instagram

He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. - pictured 1985

Baywatch star Carol Alt also honored the star on Instagram -Hogan appeared as himself in a Season 6 episode of Baywatch titled Bash at the Beach

Brooke Shields remembered Hogan's cameo on her show Suddenly Susan

Donald Trump Jr. posted this image of Hogan in tribute to the late wrestler

Hogan is seen in action with Karl Malone in 1998

The star became the most famous wrestling star ever - pictured 1990

Fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair wrote, ' I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!' - pictured in the 1990s

Vice President JD Vance hailed Hogan as a 'great American icon'

Hogan is pictured with Muhammad Ali and Liberace in the 1980s

Hogan posed with Mr. T at a press conference in 1985

Wrestling icons Kurt Angle and the Undertaker were among the sports stars paying tribute

Just four days ago, Linda shared this image of herself and Hogan recalling 'The good old days'

He wed yoga teacher Sky Daily after more than a year of dating in 2023

He wed second wife Jennifer McDaniel from 2010-2021 - pictured 2016

This comes as sources revealed Brooke is 'grateful' she had one final chance to tell her dad she loved him, despite their estrangement in recent years - pictured 2004

During that final phone call, Brooke 'expressed deep love and concern for her father, telling him she didn't think he should still be working so hard given his declining health - pictured 2006