Hulk Hogan Has Died At Age 71

    The wrestling legend catapulted the WWE into worldwide success.

    Sebastian Murdock
    by Sebastian Murdock

    HuffPost Writer

    Retired wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died. He was 71.

    Wrestler in a bandana and mustache holds an ear while leaning on ropes, engaging the crowd
    Matt Jelonek / Getty Images

    Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, died Thursday in Florida following a cardiac arrest, TMZ first reported.

    Person with bandana and sunglasses wearing a printed t-shirt speaks emphatically at a public event
    Rob Kim / Getty Images

    Hogan helped catapult World Wrestling Entertainment ― then called the World Wrestling Federation ― into mainstream success. But it was in 1996 when Hogan truly broke the mold with a stunning heel-turn that saw him go from hero to villain when he created the New World Order (NWO) and officially became Hollywood Hulk Hogan.

    Person in a bandana and sunglasses at an event, wearing a T-shirt with a cross and text, standing on a logo-adorned backdrop
    Julio Aguilar / Getty Images

    Hogan’s theatrics included ripping his shirt off and calling his opponents “brother” as he served them beatings in the ring.

    Wrestler in the ring tears a yellow shirt, wearing a red bandana and vibrant feather boa, exuding energy and charisma
    Paul Kane / Getty Images

    This article originally appeared on HuffPost.