5 Critical Health Battles That Led To Hulk Hogan's Cardiac Arrest At 71

The wrestling world was stunned on July 24, 2025, with the confirmed passing of legendary WWE icon Hulk Hogan at the age of 71. The news immediately sparked a massive wave of global curiosity, with millions searching for the exact cause of death for the man who was arguably the most recognizable figure in professional wrestling history. This article provides the definitive, up-to-date details on the tragic event, confirming that the cause was a sudden cardiac arrest, an acute myocardial infarction, which followed a lengthy and private battle with multiple severe health issues. The official cause of death was ruled a heart attack, but the full story of his final years reveals a man whose body had endured a lifetime of physical trauma and medical complications. From chronic pain requiring two dozen major surgeries to a quiet fight against cancer, the shocking loss of the "Immortal" Hulk Hogan was the culmination of multiple health battles that his powerful physique could no longer withstand.

The Definitive Biography and Profile of Terry Gene Bollea

Before he became the global phenomenon known as Hulk Hogan, the man behind the mustache was Terry Gene Bollea. His journey from a talented musician and athlete to a cultural icon is one of the most compelling stories in sports and entertainment.

• Real Name: Terry Gene Bollea
• Date of Birth: August 11, 1953
• Place of Birth: Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
• Date of Death: July 24, 2025
• Age at Death: 71
• Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest (Acute Myocardial Infarction)
• Parents: Pete Bollea (Construction Foreman) and Ruth Bollea
• Hometown: Tampa, Florida
• Wrestling Debut: 1977
• Notable Aliases: Hulk Hogan, Hollywood Hogan, Terry Boulder, Sterling Golden
• Career Highlights: 6-time WWF/WWE Champion, 6-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, 1990 and 1991 Royal Rumble Winner, WWE Hall of Fame (2005).

Bollea was a towering athlete raised in Tampa, Florida, who initially pursued a career in music, playing bass guitar in local bands. His massive build and charismatic presence, however, caught the attention of professional wrestling promoters, leading him to train under the legendary Hiro Matsuda. The creation of "Hulkamania" in the 1980s turned him into a global superstar, transcending the wrestling ring to become a mainstream pop culture icon.

What Was the Official Cause of Hulk Hogan's Death?

The official record confirms that Hulk Hogan passed away from an acute myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The incident occurred at his home in Clearwater, Florida, where medics were dispatched early that Thursday morning in July 2025.

While a heart attack was the immediate cause, medical reports and subsequent details released by his family and representatives painted a picture of a man who had been struggling with a series of major health crises in his final years. The immense physical toll of a nearly 40-year career in professional wrestling, coupled with a history of admitted steroid use, contributed to a severely compromised cardiovascular system.

The details surrounding his passing highlighted several underlying conditions that likely contributed to the fatal event, shifting the focus from a single cause of death to a complex medical history.

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Hogan's Five Critical Health Battles Before His Passing

To fully understand the circumstances of Hulk Hogan's death, it is essential to look at the severe health issues he faced in the decade leading up to July 2025. These battles reveal the true struggle of the man behind the "Hulkamania" persona and provide the necessary topical authority for this tragic event.

1. The Private Battle with Leukemia

In the final months of his life, it was revealed that Terry Bollea was privately battling Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. This diagnosis, kept largely out of the public eye, significantly weakened his immune system and overall physical resilience. The stress of fighting cancer is a major factor that can place extreme strain on the heart, making it susceptible to a cardiac event.

2. Over 25 Major Surgeries and Chronic Pain

Hogan was remarkably open in his later years about the physical cost of his wrestling career. He revealed he had undergone approximately 25 surgeries in the last decade alone. These procedures included extensive operations on his back, hips, knees, and neck. The neck surgery, in particular, was one of the most recent procedures he underwent, with some reports suggesting he was hospitalized shortly before his death. This constant cycle of surgery, recovery, and chronic pain took a massive toll on his body.

3. History of Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)

Medical records indicated that Hogan had a history of atrial fibrillation (A-fib), an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow and significantly increase the risk of stroke and heart failure. A-fib is a direct cardiovascular warning sign, and its presence made him highly vulnerable to the acute myocardial infarction that ultimately claimed his life.

4. The Long-Term Effects of Admitted Steroid Use

Throughout his career and in later public admissions, Hogan acknowledged his past use of anabolic steroids. While the long-term effects of steroid use vary, they are known to cause significant damage to the cardiovascular system, including the thickening of the heart muscle and an increased risk of heart disease. This factor is crucial in understanding the underlying pathology of his cardiac arrest at age 71.

5. Frail Health and Public Confusion in His Final Weeks

In the weeks leading up to his death, reports surfaced about the wrestling legend's increasingly frail health. Public appearances showed a noticeable decline in his physical condition, leading to conflicting reports and widespread public concern. This period of escalating health issues provided clear warning signs that his body was struggling, culminating in the fatal heart attack.

The Legacy of Hulkamania and Tributes from Wrestling Icons

The passing of Hulk Hogan marked the end of an era, prompting an outpouring of emotional tributes from across the wrestling and entertainment industries. His lasting legacy is not just in the championships he won, but in the creation of a global phenomenon that brought professional wrestling into the mainstream.

A Cultural Phenomenon

Hogan’s catchphrases—"Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?" and "Brother!"—became cultural touchstones. His move to WCW in the mid-90s, where he transformed into the villainous "Hollywood Hogan" and founded the New World Order (nWo), proved his ability to reinvent himself and maintain relevance for decades. He was the face of the WWF’s Golden Era, selling out arenas like Madison Square Garden and headlining the first nine WrestleMania events.

Tributes from The Rock and Triple H

Following the news, fellow wrestling legends and colleagues took to social media to share their condolences. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who famously battled Hogan at WrestleMania X8 in one of the most iconic matches in history, posted a heartfelt tribute, calling him a "childhood hero" and sharing emotional stories from their time together.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque also paid tribute, acknowledging the immense impact Hogan had on the industry. Triple H stated that there may "never be another" figure who could capture the public's imagination and elevate the sport to such global heights. The universal respect for the "Immortal" one underscores his status as a true pioneer of sports entertainment.