When Terry Gene Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71 on July 24, 2025, it marked the end of an era in pro wrestling—and the rise of a story about redemption, faith, and transformation.

Few could match Hogan’s larger-than-life persona—towering at 6 ft 7 in, vibrant bandanas, iconic handlebar mustache, and an energy that ignited stadiums across the globe. But in his final years, the real legacy he built wasn’t just physical—it was spiritual.

A Sudden Exit—Heart Attack at Clearwater Home

In the early morning hours at his Clearwater, Florida home, emergency responders arrived after a cardiac arrest call. Hogan was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead about ninety minutes later. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play.(turn0search6, turn0search1). Prior to his death, Hogan had undergone heart surgery in June, but was said to be recovering well, his wife assuring fans he was “on the mend, not on death’s door.”

From All-American Hero to Wrestling Immortal

Hogan burst onto the wrestling scene in the early 1980s, joining WWF (now WWE) in 1983. With slogans like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” and catchphrases like “Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins,” he became the face of “Hulkamania”, propelling wrestling into mainstream entertainment. He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985—and at least six of the first nine—cementing his legacy in history.

He dominated both WWF and later WCW, founding the NWO faction, reinventing himself as Hollywood Hogan, and becoming one of the most recognized athletes globally. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, Hogan was reinstated in 2020 despite past controversies.

I accepted Christ as my savior at 14yrs 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… pic.twitter.com/SxcOJJwtRL

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 9, 2023

A Spiritual Awakening: From Turbulence to Baptism

Amid career highs, Hogan wrestled personal demons—addictions, legal battles, public controversies. In 2007, he first spoke publicly about his Christian faith, sharing he had accepted Christ at age 14, but had fallen away over the years—with his spiritual revival becoming a defining chapter in his later life.

On December 20, 2023, at 70 years old, Hogan was baptized alongside his wife, Sky Daily, at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida. He described it as “the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love.” It was more than ritual—it was renewal.

Later, in an interview with CBN News, Hogan called the baptism a “major pivot” in his life:

“Once I was baptized, I felt I was all anew. I surrendered fully—and I’m either all the way in or all the way out with whatever I do.”

He urged others to seek Christ, calling it a spiritual war fought in truth and love.

Wrestling Retirement, Health Battles, and Final Years

Hogan retired from full-time wrestling in 2012 but remained in the spotlight. He publicly battled neck and back injuries, underwent multiple surgeries, and continued to embrace public roles: as a TV personality, a brand ambassador for WWE, a reality TV star, and an entrepreneur.

In 2025, he announced Real American Freestyle, a new unscripted wrestling venture, which never came to fruition. He also maintained political ties, boldly supporting Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign at the Republican National Convention.

 

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Legacy Beyond Controversy: Faith as Final Act

Despite controversies—including the infamous 2015 Gawker s** tape lawsuit and racist comments that led to a temporary WWE suspension—Hogan’s supporters say his faith transformation and late-life humility reframed how his legacy will be remembered.

By publicly embracing faith, admitting spiritual struggle, and encouraging others to surrender to Christ, Hogan gave fans and observers a new dimension to his story—freedom centered not in the ring, but in redemption.

Tributes Flood Social Media

WWE released a statement mourning his passing, calling him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” whose impact transformed wrestling globally.(turn0search7, turn0search5).

Tributes poured in: fellow legends Ric Flair, Triple H, The Undertaker, and international celebrities including Sylvester Stallone. President Trump and political figures like JD Vance also mourned the loss. Their messages underscored Hogan’s friendship, resilience, and cultural imprint.

Timeline That Shaped the Man

Date
Milestone

Aug 11, 1953
Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia

1977–1983
Early wrestling career in regional circuits

Dec 1983–late 1980s
Global rise in WWF, trademark persona and slogans

2005
WWE Hall of Fame inductee

2007
First public embrace of Christian faith

Dec 20, 2023
Baptized alongside wife Sky Daily at age 70

2012–2024
Health struggles, public controversies, political involvement

July 24, 2025
Passed away from cardiac arrest at 71

Why Hogan’s Faith Journey Resonates

Public reinvention through faith: Hogan’s embrace of Christianity later in life reframed his public persona—from ego-powered showman to soul-seeking elder.

Vulnerability in the spotlight: Sharing doubts, failure, and renewal made his story relatable even to non-wrestling fans.

Legacy of grace beyond glory: Faith wasn’t just a personal refuge—it shaped his final messages of love, service, and surrender.

For many, a spiritual beacon: His baptism and later interviews gave hope to fans wrestling with their own struggles.

Final Reflection: The Real Main Event

Hulk Hogan’s passing marked the exit of a wrestling titan—but his true impact lay beyond leg drops and pyrotechnics. In choosing to talk openly about faith, surrender, and spiritual rebirth, he offered a final performance not in the ring, but in the human heart.

At 71, his last curtain call came not with a flex, but with a whisper:

“I’m all the way in.”

And in doing so, he became not just a wrestling icon—but a testament to transformation, redemption, and legacy anchored in faith.

Let me know if you’d like deeper coverage, personal interviews, or reflections from those impacted by Hogan’s life and faith.