Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. The former WWE champion, who once said Jesus was the “real main event that can slam any giant of any size,” passed away at his home in Florida following a reported cardiac arrest.
Hogan, born Terry Bollea, rose to fame in the 1980s and became one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture. A six-time WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) champion, he helped define an era of sports entertainment, launching the global "Hulkamania" phenomenon and revitalizing professional wrestling in the 1990s.
In 2023, Hogan and his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, were baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida. Reflecting on the experience, he wrote: “Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love!”
In a post shared on his X account, Hogan recalled his early faith journey: “I accepted Christ as my savior at 14 years old, and the training, prayers, and vitamins kept me in the game. But now that I am one with God, the main event theme of surrender, service, and love makes me the real main event that can slam any giant of any size through the power of my Lord and Savior. And so it is, even now brother, AMEN!”
Throughout his later years, Hogan frequently shared Bible verses on social media and spoke openly about his faith. In one video clip, he reflected: “The only thing that is real is what will last forever—everlasting life. Faith in God—once you’ve accepted Christ as your savior—that’s what’s real to me.”
In a 2009 interview with MZ, Hogan said: “I’ve leaned on my religion… I accepted Christ as my savior. He died on the cross and paid for my sins. I found some very good friends who told me about being positive and the power of positive thinking. I could have gone the wrong way. I could have self-destructed, but I took the high road.”
WWE released a statement on its website following Hogan’s death, saying it was “saddened” by the loss:
“Whether he was a hero or villain, clad in red and yellow or black and white, The Hulkster was always one of the ring’s most popular and enduring stars.”