Hulk Hogan, the legendary wrestling superstar and global icon, has died at the age of 71. The renowned figure in the world of professional wrestling passed away peacefully at his residence in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday morning, drawing a wave of grief from fans and fellow athletes around the world, including a devoted following in Nigeria.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed his death in an official statement that paid tribute to the immense contributions Hogan made to the sport and entertainment industry. The statement read: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan’s passing comes just weeks after his wife, Sky Bollea, publicly debunked rumours that he was in critical condition or suffering from complications following recent surgeries. She had described those reports as “false and misleading,” seeking to assure the public that the wrestling icon was in stable health at the time.

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, rose to international fame in the 1980s and 1990s with his electric presence in the ring and his unmatched charisma. Famous for his iconic mustache, red-and-yellow attire, and his legendary catchphrase—“Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”—Hogan captivated generations of wrestling fans. His career highlights include becoming a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most dominant and influential wrestlers in both WWE and WCW history.

Beyond wrestling, Hogan made his mark in Hollywood and pop culture, starring in films, television shows, and reality series. His widespread appeal transcended wrestling, making him one of the most recognizable sports entertainment personalities in history. His death marks the end of an era for millions of fans who grew up watching him dominate the ring and inspire with his larger-than-life persona.