Retired wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died. He was 71.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, died Thursday in Florida following a cardiac arrest, TMZ first reported.
Hogan helped catapult World Wrestling Entertainment ― then called the World Wrestling Federation ― into mainstream success. But it was in 1996 when Hogan truly broke the mold with a stunning heel-turn that saw him go from hero to villain when he created the New World Order and officially became Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
In a statement, the WWE called him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures.”
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the statement said. “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.”
