Hulk Hogan Dead At 71: A Timeline Of His Final Years, 25 Surgeries, And Lasting Legacy

The wrestling world and pop culture landscape were forever changed on July 24, 2025, with the news that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Gene Bollea, universally known as Hulk Hogan, had passed away at the age of 71. The question "What happened to Hulk Hogan?" has a definitive and heartbreaking answer: the legend succumbed to a reported cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. This final chapter came after years of intense health struggles, a staggering number of surgeries, and a life lived larger-than-life, right up until the very end. The curiosity surrounding the final years of the "Hulkster" is immense, as the man who popularized "Hulkamania" battled a body broken by decades in the ring, undergoing a grueling series of medical procedures. His passing closes the book on one of the most influential figures in sports entertainment history, leaving behind a monumental legacy that transcends professional wrestling.

The Definitive Biography of Terry 'Hulk Hogan' Bollea

Terry Gene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, was a cultural icon whose career spanned four decades, turning him from a professional wrestler into a global celebrity, actor, and reality television star. His life was a series of peaks and valleys, defined by unprecedented fame and significant personal and health battles.

• Real Name: Terry Gene Bollea
• Born: August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
• Died: July 24, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, U.S.
• Age at Death: 71
• Reported Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest
• Ring Names: Hulk Hogan, Hollywood Hogan, Sterling Golden, Terry Boulder
• Career Highlights: 12-time World Heavyweight Champion (6-time WWF/E, 6-time WCW), WWE Hall of Famer (Class of 2005 & 2020), The face of the "Golden Era" of professional wrestling.
• Signature Moves: Atomic Leg Drop, Big Boot
• Net Worth: Estimated at $25 million at the time of his passing.
• Recent Marriages: Married Sky Daily in September 2023.

The Grueling Health Battles: 25 Surgeries in a Decade

The biggest answer to "what happened to Hulk Hogan" in the years leading up to his death is the toll his career took on his body. The high-impact style of wrestling, marked by his iconic "Hulk Up" sequence and finishing Atomic Leg Drop, resulted in severe damage that required continuous medical intervention. The sheer volume of his procedures shocked fans and the media alike.

A Body Broken by the Ring: In a September 2024 podcast appearance, Hogan himself revealed the staggering number of operations he had endured over the past decade: 25 surgeries. This included a significant number of procedures focused on his spine and back, a common affliction for wrestlers of his era.

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• Spinal Procedures: Hogan underwent at least 10 back surgeries to address chronic pain and nerve damage, a direct result of decades of impact and trauma from performing in the ring.
• Neck Fusion: His final major procedure was a neck surgery, described as a minor fusion, which he underwent in May 2025, just two months before his death. This type of surgery, while common for wrestlers, often involves fusing vertebrae to stabilize the neck, a critical and delicate area.
• Complications: Reports indicate that complications arose from the May neck surgery, leading to a period of intubation and sparking serious health concerns among his family and close friends. Although he was said to be recovering, this incident highlighted the fragility of his health in his final months.

The constant cycle of surgeries, recovery, and managing chronic pain defined his life post-retirement. This intense physical struggle is a poignant reminder of the price paid by the legends who built the foundation of modern sports entertainment. The sheer resilience he showed in fighting through so many medical crises is a testament to the "Hulkamania" spirit he embodied.

Hulk Hogan's Final Chapter: New Love, New Projects, and Legacy

Despite his deteriorating health, Hulk Hogan remained active and engaged with life, both personally and professionally. His final years were not just about pain management; they were also marked by a renewed sense of purpose and happiness, particularly in his personal life.

A New Beginning with Sky Daily

In a joyous moment that captured headlines, Hogan married his third wife, yoga instructor Sky Daily, in September 2023. The wedding, held in Clearwater, Florida, was a smaller, more intimate affair compared to his previous high-profile marriages. Daily, who had three children from a previous relationship, was credited by friends for bringing a sense of peace and stability to the wrestling icon’s life. His public appearances with Sky Daily showed a man who had found contentment in his later years, a stark contrast to the dramatic reality TV persona from Hogan Knows Best.

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The Final Project Tease

Right up until his final weeks, the "Immortal" Hulk Hogan was teasing a return to the business he loved, though not as a competitor. In early 2025, he and longtime friend and former WCW President Eric Bischoff hinted at a potential new wrestling company or project. This potential venture, though never fully materialized before his death, showed his enduring passion for the industry and his desire to leave one last indelible mark on the landscape of professional wrestling. His final public appearances included visiting a new sports bar, showing he was still engaging with his fan base and the business world.

The Enduring Legacy of Hulkamania

Hulk Hogan's impact on professional wrestling is unparalleled. He was the catalyst for the WWF's transformation into a mainstream pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s. His catchphrases—"Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?" and "Brother!"—became cultural shorthand. His shift to the villainous "Hollywood Hogan" in WCW's New World Order (nWo) storyline is widely considered one of the greatest heel turns in wrestling history, revitalizing his career and sparking the infamous "Monday Night Wars."

His legacy is one of a true pioneer, a man who took wrestling from smoky arenas to sold-out stadiums and pay-per-view dominance. He successfully crossed over into Hollywood, starring in films like No Holds Barred and Suburban Commando, solidifying his status as a global superstar. While his career had its share of controversies, including the Gawker lawsuit settlement and public comments, his contribution to the entertainment industry is undeniable.

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The passing of Hulk Hogan is not just a loss for WWE and professional wrestling; it is the loss of a genuine American icon. His story—from the constant surgeries and health scares to finding new love and teasing one last project—serves as a powerful, if tragic, answer to the question of what happened to the man behind the yellow and red. His legacy will forever be defined by the millions of "Hulkamaniacs" who followed his mantra: "Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself." Rest in peace, Hulkster.