Family and friends will gather on Tuesday in Clearwater to pay their final respects to professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea. Hogan passed away at the age of 71 on July 24 following a heart attack, surrounded by loved ones, as stated on his official Facebook page.
Hogan’s illustrious career began in his hometown of Tampa, and he quickly made a name for himself in the wrestling community, working with various National Wrestling Alliance territories before achieving global fame. His breakout role came in the 1982 film “Rocky III,” where he played Thunderlips.
He gained iconic status as “Hulkamania” in the Minnesota-based American Wrestling Association in 1983 before rising to new heights in 1984 when he joined the World Wrestling Federation, now known as WWE. Hogan won his first WWF Championship in a memorable matchup against The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden, marking the start of a legacy that would see him capture six world championships with WWE and six more with Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling.
In addition to his wrestling achievements, Hogan became a household name through television shows like “Hogan Knows Best,” “Thunder in Paradise,” and “China, IL,” along with various advertisements and a well-received video game titled Hulk Hogan’s Main Event. His influence extended beyond the ring, and he remained a beloved figure in the Tampa Bay area, specifically through his business, Hogan’s Beach Shop in Clearwater, where fans have been honoring his memory following his passing.
As fans and family come together for the private funeral, they will remember a man who not only changed the world of wrestling but also left an indelible mark on popular culture.