Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, the WWE has confirmed.
"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," the WWE wrote on social media.
"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."
In Clearwater, Florida, authorities responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said in a statement on Facebook.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, won six WWE Championships across a glittering career as one of the most recognisable faces in the sport.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Sylvester Stallone in 2005.
Retired WWE great Ric Flair was among those to pay tribute to Hogan on social media.
"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," Flair wrote on X. "An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me."
WWE icon The Undertaker wrote on X: "The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan."
Former WWE wrestler Triple H wrote on social media in a tribute to Hogan: "He was the archetype of what it meant to be a 'Superstar' - a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world."
Hogan established himself as one of the biggest names in the history of wrestling with his distinguished blonde hair, horseshoe moustache and red and yellow outfit.
"Hulk Hogan was a great American icon," said US vice-president JD Vance on X. "One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we'd get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace."
Hogan first became champion in what was then the World Wrestling Federation in 1984, and pro wrestling took off from there. His popularity helped lead to the creation of the annual WrestleMania event in 1985, when he teamed up with Mr. T to beat "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff in the main event.
He slammed and beat Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987, and the WWF gained momentum. His feud with the late "Macho Man" Randy Savage - perhaps his greatest rival- carried pro wrestling even further.
Hogan was a central figure in what is known as the Monday Night Wars. The WWE and World Championship Wrestling were battling for ratings supremacy in 1996.
Hogan tilted things in WCW's favour with the birth of the Hollywood Hogan character and the formation of the New World Order, a villainous stable that put WCW ahead in the ratings.
He returned to the WWE in 2002 and became a champion again. His match with The Rock at WrestleMania X8, a loss during which fans cheered for his "bad guy" character, was seen as a passing of the torch.
In recent years he became involved in politics and notably endorsed President Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
He was perhaps as known for his larger-than-life personality as he was for his in-ring exploits. He was beloved for his "promos," hype sessions he used to draw fans into matches. He often would play off his interviewer, "Mean" Gene Okerlund, starting his interviews off with, "Well, lemme tell ya something, Mean Gene!"
The wrestler was also able to transcend his "Hulkamania" fanbase to become a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, "Hogan Knows Best".
His notable movie appearances include playing Thunderlips in Rocky III and Shep Ramsey in Suburban Commando.
In 2024, he appeared at the Republican National Convention to endorse the presidential bid of Donald Trump.
Hogan said he made the decision to support the Republican candidate after seeing his combative, fist-pumping reaction to an attempted assassination on the campaign trail.
Trump paid his own tribute, writing on social media that Hogan was "strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart".
Hogan's support of Trump did not go down well with all wrestling fans and it was far from his only controversy.
The gossip website Gawker posted a video in 2012 of him having sex with his former best friend's wife. Hogan sued on privacy grounds.
A year earlier he was suspended by the WWE after another secret recording revealed that Hogan had used a racial slur. Hogan, who apologised, was reinstated in 2018.
WWE co-founder and close friend Vince McMahon said Hogan was "the greatest WWE superstar of all time".
"His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled", he added. "He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved."
Hogan was married three times and had two children.
