🗓️ Posted: July 24, 2025
✍️ By The Riff Report Blog Team
🎤 @theriffreportuk

“WHATCHA GONNA DO… WHEN HULKAMANIA RUNS WILD NO MORE?”

The wrestling world – and pop culture at large – has been rocked to its very core today, as news breaks that Hulk Hogan, WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most recognisable figures in the history of sports entertainment, has passed away at the age of 71.

According to an official post from WWE, they were “saddened to learn legendary WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away” and extended their condolences to his fans, friends, and family. A black-and-white memorial image has since begun circulating online, bearing the dates: 1953–2025.

This marks the end of an era. A titan of the ring. A master of charisma. A man who made the words “Brother!” and “Hulkamania” part of the cultural lexicon.

💪 FROM THE RING TO GLOBAL ICON STATUS

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Eugene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, on August 11, 1953, wasn’t just a wrestler – he was a phenomenon. Rising to prominence in the 1980s, Hogan became the face of professional wrestling during its explosion into the mainstream. With his 22-inch pythons, signature yellow and red attire, and explosive promos, Hogan helped WWE (then WWF) transition from a regional promotion into a global juggernaut.

He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985, and countless times after. His feuds with legends like Andre the Giant, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, and later The Rock are etched into the minds of millions.

Let’s not forget: Hogan body-slammed Andre the Giant in front of 93,000 people at WrestleMania III – an image forever embedded in wrestling history.

🎬 BEYOND THE RING

Hogan transcended wrestling. He appeared in films (Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny, Rocky III), launched reality TV (Hogan Knows Best), and became a symbol of Americana during the Reagan era. He was larger-than-life, with a persona that danced the line between superhero and showman.

Sure, there were controversies – personal and professional. But no one can deny the impact Hulk Hogan had on popular culture. For millions around the world, he was the first wrestler they ever saw. And for many, he was the one who got them hooked on the madness, magic, and drama of professional wrestling.

🖤 HULKAMANIA NEVER DIES… BUT TODAY IT HURTS

The black-and-white tribute image from WWE says it all:

“WWE Remembers Hulk Hogan: 1953–2025”

Whether you loved him, booed him during his nWo days, or still shouted “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!” – Hogan was unforgettable. A Hall of Famer. A headline act. A human cartoon brought to life.

For decades, Hogan told fans to train, say their prayers, and eat their vitamins. Today, those same fans are left stunned, heartbroken, and nostalgic. Hulkamania ran wild for over 40 years – and though the man may have passed, the legend most definitely hasn’t.

💬 FANS REACT

Social media has been flooded with tributes:

📣 “My childhood hero. The man who made me believe in the power of good guys in spandex. Rest in peace, Hulk.”

📣 “Legends never die. Thank you, Hulkster, for the memories, the madness, and the mustache.”

📣 “From red and yellow to black and white – you entertained us all. RIP to the greatest.”

🧼 FINAL BELL

As the wrestling world tolls the ten-bell salute, we at The Riff Report want to say thank you, Hulk Hogan. For the memories. For the moments. For the madness.

No matter what came in or out of the squared circle, you embodied an era. One filled with showmanship, heart, and the kind of drama that only pro wrestling could deliver.

Rest in peace, Hulkster.
The arena is silent, but the echoes of Hulkamania live forever.

👉 Follow @theriffreportuk for more tributes, reactions, and stories from the wild world of rock, wrestling, and rebellion.