“HOGAN’S BATTLE: Hulk Hogan’s Desperate Final Moments Revealed After Emergency Crew Battled for 30 Minutes to Save Wrestling Icon. The wrestling world was rocked when Hulk Hogan, legendary WWE Hall of Famer, passed away at 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene and performed CPR for 30 minutes before Hogan was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Tributes have poured in from fellow wrestlers and fans worldwide, praising Hogan’s immeasurable influence on the sport. From his iconic ‘Hulkamania’ persona to his involvement in groundbreaking matches, Hogan’s legacy will forever be etched in wrestling history. Despite personal struggles, his contributions to professional wrestling remain unmatched. The world mourns the loss of a true wrestling icon.”

The world of professional wrestling lost one of its biggest icons on July 22, 2025, when Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at the age of 71. Hogan’s death followed a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home, leaving millions of fans and friends mourning the loss of a man who transcended wrestling, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture.

Known for his larger-than-life persona, his muscular physique, and his electrifying catchphrases, Hogan’s contributions to the world of sports entertainment are immeasurable. His death marks the end of an era in professional wrestling, but his influence will continue to shape the industry for generations to come. The tributes that have poured in from fellow wrestlers, celebrities, and fans alike speak volumes about the incredible legacy Hogan left behind.

The Final Moments: Hogan’s Health Struggles and Cardiac Arrest

Wrestler Hulk Hogan and boxer Mike Tyson arrive at the Premiere Of "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" at Grauman's Chinese Theater on November 2, 2005 in...

Hogan’s health had been a topic of concern for several years, particularly after he underwent neck surgery in 2023 to address ongoing back and neck issues that had plagued him throughout his wrestling career. While Hogan had been very open about his struggles with pain, including using a cane to walk, his condition seemed to deteriorate rapidly leading up to his final days.

The 911 call placed to emergency services on the morning of July 22, 2025, detailed the cardiac arrest that struck Hogan at his home. Paramedics and first responders worked for 30 minutes trying to revive him before he was rushed to the hospital. Despite their efforts, Hogan was pronounced dead at 11:17 AM. A statement from the Clearwater Police Department confirmed the cause of death as cardiac arrest but noted that there were no signs of foul play.

Though the news of his passing was shocking, many had speculated about his declining health in the weeks leading up to his death. Hogan had faced numerous health challenges, including neck surgeries, and reports of his deteriorating condition had started to surface, sparking rumors among fans and media outlets.

Conflicting Claims About Hogan’s Health

Hulk Hogan and wife Linda during 2006 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, New York, United States.

In the days prior to Hogan’s death, conflicting claims about his health emerged, adding confusion to the narrative surrounding his passing. Bubba the Love Sponge’s co-host Lummy made claims on their podcast that Hogan’s condition was worsening, stating that he could no longer speak and that “it does not look good.” Lummy’s statement, which was made just days before Hogan’s death, left fans deeply concerned and wondering if the end was near.

However, Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s longtime friend and former manager, painted a very different picture. Just a day after Lummy’s podcast, Hart posted an upbeat message on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Hogan was “doing great, doing phenomenal” and had enjoyed a fun night at karaoke with his son, Nick Hogan.

Hart’s post, which was later deleted after Hogan’s death, contributed to the confusion surrounding the star’s condition. Fans were left wondering if they had been misled or if Hogan’s health had taken a sudden, unexpected turn in the hours leading up to his passing.

Hogan’s Struggles with Addiction and Family Strains

John Cena and Hulk Hogan during 2005 Teen Choice Awards - Show at Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City, California, United States.

Despite his massive success, Hogan’s life was marred by personal struggles, particularly his battles with substance abuse. The physical toll of years spent in the wrestling ring, combined with his well-documented issues with alcohol and drugs, contributed to a decline in his overall health.

Hogan’s family life also had its ups and downs. His marriage to Linda Claridge, whom he married in 1983, ended in 2009 amid infidelity rumors and personal disputes. Hogan’s relationship with his children, particularly Nick Hogan, became strained following a high-speed car accident in 2007 that left Nick’s friend John Graziano paralyzed. Hogan spoke publicly about the emotional toll the incident took on him and admitted that it led him to a dark place.

In 2015, Hogan faced a massive public scandal when a sex tape surfaced involving him and Heather Clem, the wife of radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. This scandal led to a major lawsuit, and Hogan was eventually awarded $140 million in a case against Gawker Media, who published the video. While Hogan’s reputation took a hit, he eventually made a comeback, being reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 after publicly apologizing for his actions.

Despite these challenges, Hogan remained a beloved figure in the wrestling world, known for his larger-than-life personality and his commitment to the sport.

Hogan’s Iconic Career: A Legacy of Wrestling Dominance

Hulk Hogan’s career in professional wrestling began in 1977, and he quickly became a household name. His move to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later WWE, in 1979 cemented his place in wrestling history. Hogan’s famous catchphrases, such as “Say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” became part of popular culture, helping him transcend wrestling and become a global phenomenon.

In the 1980s, Hogan became the face of WWF, leading the company to global recognition. His historic match against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987 is one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history, and his subsequent matchups with legends like Randy Savage, Ric Flair, and The Ultimate Warrior are still remembered today. Hogan headlined WrestleMania for the first eight years, helping to make the event the largest annual wrestling spectacle in the world.

Hogan’s popularity exploded in the 1990s with his switch to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he formed the New World Order (NWO) with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. This move revolutionized the wrestling world, and WCW’s dominance in the ratings for 83 weeks can be directly attributed to Hogan’s star power. His turn to a villainous character in the NWO was a defining moment in wrestling, making him one of the most influential figures in sports entertainment history.

Hogan’s return to WWE in 2002 was a moment of nostalgia, where he faced The Rock in one of the most memorable matches in WrestleMania history. He continued to make sporadic appearances in WWE, cementing his place in the hearts of wrestling fans around the world.

Tributes and Legacy

Upon Hogan’s passing, tributes poured in from the wrestling community and beyond. Fellow wrestlers like Ric Flair, John Cena, and The Undertaker shared heartfelt messages, praising Hogan for his contributions to the sport. Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE, described Hogan as “one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time,” acknowledging his massive impact on the company and the wrestling industry as a whole.

Ric Flair, deeply emotional in his tribute, said, “Hulk was always there for me. He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living. He prayed by my bedside and lent me money when I needed it most. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you!”

John Cena honored Hogan by sharing a photo of their famous rivalry, stating, “He passed the torch to me, but he will always be the greatest of all time.”

Even Donald Trump, a longtime friend of Hogan, expressed his condolences, writing on Truth Social, “Hulk Hogan entertained fans from all over the world. His cultural impact was massive, and he will be greatly missed.”

Hogan’s Legacy Beyond Wrestling

Hogan’s contributions to wrestling cannot be overstated. He was more than just a champion in the ring; he was the face of professional wrestling for decades. His persona, both in the ring and outside it, helped professional wrestling break into the mainstream. He built a legacy that transcended the sport, becoming a pop culture icon through his work in Hollywood, his reality TV show, and his role in political advocacy.

Though Hogan’s life was filled with ups and downs, his legacy will forever be marked by his contributions to the wrestling world. He is remembered not only for his WWE championship wins but also for being a pioneering force who helped shape the very fabric of sports entertainment.

Conclusion: The End of an Era

The loss of Hulk Hogan at 71 marks the end of an era in professional wrestling. As the face of WWE during the golden age of wrestling, Hogan helped elevate the sport and bring it to new heights of popularity. While his personal struggles and controversies were well-documented, Hogan’s influence on the world of professional wrestling will never be forgotten. His charisma, strength, and undeniable talent left an indelible mark on the sport, making him a legend whose impact will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and fans alike.

As the wrestling world mourns the loss of one of its most beloved figures, the memory of Hulk Hogan will live on forever, and his legacy will continue to be celebrated by those who grew up watching his matches and idolizing his larger-than-life presence. Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan. You will never be forgotten.