Hulk Hogan all-smiles in final video filmed just days before his death
Hulk Hogan looked the picture of health in his final Instagram video just five days before his untimely death at 71.
Hogan’s death was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in a statement on X which read: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
It has also been claimed by TMZ that medics were dispatched to the 71-year-old’s home in Clearwater, Florida. The sad news comes just a few weeks after his wife, Sky, had to deny rumours he was in a coma.
Hogan is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest at his Florida home. It has been reported that medics were dispatched to Hulk’s home in Clearwater, Florida, early on Thursday morning; it’s understood operators stated it was a “cardiac arrest”.
TMZ has reported that a flurry of police cars and emergency vehicles were parked outside the wrestling legend’s home, and he was ‘carried on a stretcher into an ambulance’.
In his final Instagram video, Hogan made a promotional clip for Real American Beer where he sipped on the alcoholic beverage and encouraged his fans to try the patriotic beer.
“Real American beer, made in America, by real Americans,” he said before taking a sip. “Get some brother. That’s America brother,” he added.
The sporting legend, who was a five time WWE (formerly WWF) champion, died of a cardiac arrest, it is understood.
Medics and police rushed to his home as operators stated a “cardiac arrest”, according to TMZ. And he was later seen being carried out of his home in a stretcher.
The wrestling world have begun reacting to the shock news of Hulk Hogan’s death, as he’s been hailed as “one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures”.
Ric Flair, who is a champion in wrestling like Hulk, paid tribute as he wrote online: “”I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!
“Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be.
“He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!”
Hulk, who was a six-time WWF champion, has been memorialised by WWE,who have said in a statement: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. 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.”
Shocked fans are also reacting to the sad news of the WWE’s star’s death on social media, paying tribute to a sporting legend and huge personality.
One wrote: “RIP Hulk Hogan. An absolute legend.” Another added: “Hulk Hogan was a genuine, uniquely American creation. Fearlessly original. Flawed but unbowed. He had the courage to stand on his own principles, and he never stopped fighting for his country. An American icon. He will be missed.”
While a third added: “RIP Hulk Hogan, wrestling legend, passed away at 71. His iconic legacy in the ring will live on forever.”
Hulk is arguably one of the best-known names in wrestling history, but also a name that is incredibly divisive.
Many of his moments have gone down in wrestling history, including him body-slamming Andrea the Giant. His larger than life persona gave a new, entertaining edge to the sport.
However, his time was also marred in controversy as his career ended on a low as racist comments ended his relationship with wrestling in 2015. His contract with WWE was terminated at the time as a tape emerged of him using a racist slur.
Hogan apologised but WWE removed all references of him on their website before he was reinstated on the federation’s hall of fame in 2018.
Just weeks before Hulk’s death, a representative for the WWE icon denied speculation he was gravely ill. In May, it was announced he’d undergone a small “fusion procedure” on his neck.
But in June, a YouTuber claimed that things were “not looking good” for him. Denying the speculation, a representative said that Hulk’s surgery had been “successful” and there were “no reasons to panic.”
They added: “He just needs from time to time a medical check up.”
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