Hulk Hogan’s cause of death is in major doubt after new evidence emerged.
The wrestling world has been rocked to its core after police confirmed that WWE icon Hulk Hogan died at the age of 71.
Hulk Hogan’s life profiled.
Born Terry Eugene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia in 1953, Hogan first made waves as a bodybuilder and bass guitarist before discovering wrestling.
Trained by the legendary Hiro Matsuda—who famously broke Hogan’s leg during their first session—he emerged with grit and tenacity.
He first wrestled in the late ’70s but hit superstardom after defeating The Iron Sheik in 1984, capturing his first WWE title.
By the mid-’80s, Hulkamania was unstoppable—crowds swelled, merch flew off shelves, and Hogan was headlining sold-out arenas worldwide.
He starred in films like Suburban Commando, guested on Baywatch, and even launched his own show, Hogan Knows Best.
Perhaps his most iconic moment came in 1987 when he body-slammed the 520-pound André the Giant at WrestleMania III in front of 93,000 fans.
In 1996, he flipped the script—ditching the red and yellow for black and white as the villainous leader of the New World Order in WCW.
The 2000s saw a softer Hogan—one more involved in TV and business, but not without messy public drama and legal battles.
In 2016, Hogan won a landmark invasion-of-privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media, netting a $140 million judgment and igniting debates on media ethics.
Since then, Hogan made fewer appearances, often seen promoting health supplements and reflecting on his legacy.
Hulk Hogan’s rise to fame highlighted.
Known for his unmistakable handlebar moustache and bandana-clad bravado, Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler—he was the wrestling icon of the ’80s and ’90s.
He signed with WWF (now WWE) in 1983, instantly becoming a headline attraction and turning wrestling into mainstream entertainment.
Hogan’s list of achievements is staggering—eight-time WrestleMania headliner, six-time WWE Champion, and the face of an entire era.
From action figures to Saturday morning cartoons and reality TV, Hogan became a cultural juggernaut in and outside the squared circle.
Hogan’s signature roar—“Whatcha gonna do, brother?!”—is etched into the memory of generations of fans.
But Hogan’s career wasn’t without controversy—he was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 following the leak of a tape containing racist remarks.
After years of public silence and internal scrutiny, Hogan was brought back into the fold and re-inducted into the Hall of Fame five years later.
In recent years, Hogan spoke frequently about his health journey, rehab from surgeries, and his renewed focus on clean living and family.
Just weeks ago, Hogan’s wife Jennifer McDaniel publicly denied swirling rumors that he was in a coma, insisting he was “strong” and recovering well.
In fact, Hogan made his last surprise appearance on WWE programming as recently as January 6, proving he hadn’t left the ring behind.
Cause of death revealed.
Authorities say emergency responders rushed to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home following reports of a cardiac arrest around 9:30 a.m.
Despite attempts to revive him, Hogan—real name Terry Bollea—was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital, per police reports.
WWE confirmed the tragic news in a heartfelt statement, calling Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures.”
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company wrote, adding that Hogan helped catapult the brand to global stardom.
Tributes have already begun flooding in from past and present superstars—John Cena, The Rock, and Ric Flair among them.
Despite a history of back and hip surgeries, Hogan had shown no recent signs of serious illness or warning before today’s sudden collapse.
The hashtag #RIPHogan began trending within minutes of the news breaking, with fans posting old matches, interviews, and memories.
Authorities confirmed to Sky News that Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at home and never fully regained consciousness.
His official cause of death has been recorded as acute myocardial infarction.
But that cause of death is now in question.
It’s now emerged that Hogan’s phrenic nerve, which ‘controls your diaphragm and is essential to your ability to breathe’, was “compromised” during a recent surgery.
Dash cam footage is key.
Footage allegedly shows that Hogan’s therapist was present when he died, telling police a surgeon “severed” his phrenic nerve.
Hogan’s daughter Brooke says the footage holds the key to the truth.
Hulk Hogan’s influence will never fade.
WWE has announced it will dedicate a special segment to Hogan during its next live broadcast, airing footage from his greatest matches.
Whether you loved him, hated him, or mimicked him as a kid, Hulk Hogan was the reason millions tuned in every week.
The bell tolls for Hulk Hogan, the titan who made wrestling a spectacle—rest in peace, brother.