and played a significant role in helping WWE become the powerhouse it is today. In the 1980s and 1990s, Bollea’s larger-than-life personality—both inside and outside the ring—made him a household name and a mainstream crossover star, starring in movies and gaining worldwide recognition.

“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company announced in a post on X. “As one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the statement added. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

The city of Clearwater, Florida, issued a statement saying that police and fire personnel were dispatched to Bollea’s home after a report of an individual in cardiac arrest. Bollea was treated by fire and rescue crews upon their arrival and was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. TMZ was the first to report the news.

With his boast of possessing “24-inch pythons” for arms and his catchphrase to “say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” Bollea was instrumental in wrestling’s “golden era” of the 1980s. His popularity and rivalries with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, André Roussimoff—known as André the Giant—“Macho Man” Randy Savage, and many others helped make professional wrestling a multi-billion-dollar industry during that time. (CNN)