WWE Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 After Cardiac Arrest and Health Battles

The wrestling world mourns the loss of an icon as WWE legend Hulk Hogan passed away at 71 on Thursday, succumbing to a reported cardiac arrest. Behind the larger-than-life persona of the Hulkster lies a story of relentless physical toll, with years of battling health challenges that ultimately couldn’t pin down his spirit.

Hogan’s journey in the ring was marked by an astounding 25 surgeries over the past decade, including 10 back operations, shoulder repairs, and dual hip and knee replacements. Reflecting on his career, he once described the brutal conditions of the 1970s wrestling rings as a punishing 22-foot arena with uneven boards—a far cry from today’s safer setups. 'It was horrible,' he admitted on a podcast last September, lamenting the wear and tear from decades of high-impact moves. Yet, with characteristic grit, he expressed no regrets, driven by a passion for the sport and the incredible rewards it brought.

More recently, Hogan underwent a major neck fusion surgery, a grueling procedure with a complex recovery process. His wife, Sky Daily, took to social media to dispel rumors of a coma, affirming his strong heart and ongoing recovery efforts. Despite the pain and hospital stays, Hogan remained a symbol of resilience for fans worldwide.

Medical experts have noted the harsh realities faced by wrestlers of Hogan’s era, pointing to a high incidence of heart disease and premature death in the profession. A University of East Michigan study revealed that wrestlers aged 45 to 54 are nearly three times more likely to die early compared to the general population—a statistic that worsens with age. The combination of physical strain, frequent travel, and emotional stress as both athlete and entertainer takes a heavy toll. Hogan’s own history, including admitted steroid use in the 1990s, likely compounded these risks.

While the exact cause of his sudden cardiac arrest remains unclear, cardiologists suggest it often stems from a heart attack, where oxygen deprivation to the heart muscle triggers fatal rhythms. Survival rates for such events outside a hospital are tragically low, hovering around 10%.

Yet, beyond the health struggles, Hulk Hogan’s legacy endures as a beacon of physical and spiritual vitality. He lived in pain for decades but never let it dim his role as an inspiration. As we say goodbye to a titan of the ring, we remember not just the battles he fought with his body, but the unbreakable spirit that made him a hero to millions.