Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71: A Look Back at His Legacy and Controversies
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The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, who passed away at the age of 71. Bubba the Love Sponge, a former close friend of Hogan, has publicly expressed his regret over being correct about Hogan’s declining health, stating that he had been warning others for weeks about the wrestling icon’s serious condition. Bubba claimed that Hogan had spent six weeks in the ICU and was near death, a prediction that sadly came to fruition.
"I can’t shy away from what I’ve said; I was the one who accurately predicted Hulk Hogan’s health issues," Bubba shared on his radio show. "While some people are now acknowledging that I was right, I truly wish I wasn’t, because being right means we’ve lost Hulk Hogan."
A Complicated Friendship
Bubba the Love Sponge and Hulk Hogan had a tumultuous history, particularly due to a scandal involving a sex tape featuring Hogan and Bubba’s then-wife, which was released by Gawker in 2012. The incident led to Hogan winning a landmark $115 million privacy lawsuit against the media company.
Despite their past, Bubba expressed disappointment that his warnings were dismissed by those close to Hogan. "If my honesty about Hulk’s condition had been taken seriously, things might have been different," he said. "For 15 years, he was one of my best friends, and we shared experiences that I will carry with me forever."
Remembering a Legend
An official statement on Hogan’s Instagram page confirmed his passing, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known as Hulk Hogan, has passed away surrounded by his family. We kindly ask for privacy during this time of grief. May we cherish the wonderful memories he created for millions of fans over four decades."
Hulk Hogan’s Impact on Wrestling
Hulk Hogan began his wrestling career in the late 1970s with Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) before joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979. His rise to fame truly began when he returned to the WWF, where he became a household name. Vince McMahon recognized Hogan’s potential and elevated him to become the face of the company, kickstarting the "Hulkamania" phenomenon.
Over his illustrious career, Hogan secured six WWE Championships, won the Royal Rumble twice, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as an individual in 2005 and as part of the nWo in 2020. He also held the title of world heavyweight champion six times in WCW and was a one-time IWGP champion in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Legacy
Hulk Hogan leaves behind a legacy that has touched the lives of millions of fans worldwide. His contributions to professional wrestling are undeniable, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. As we reflect on his life and career, we remember not just the wrestler but the person who inspired so many.
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Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
