Famed Professional Wrestler Hulk Hogan Buried in Florida Following Controversies
Hulk Hogan's Farewell: A Life in Wrestling and Controversies
Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling icon, has passed away at the age of 71 following a heart attack on July 24 at his home in Clearwater. The funeral service for the legendary wrestler was held at a church where he was baptized in 2023, with a heavy security presence including church security and Largo police officers, including K-9 dogs.
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was a towering figure in the world of professional wrestling, known for his in-ring exploits and unforgettable personality. However, his life was not without controversy.
In 2012, a private sex tape involving Hulk Hogan and Heather Clem was leaked online by Gawker, leading to a major legal battle and the demise of the pioneering online media outlet. The incident caused public backlash and was central to a privacy lawsuit that Hogan won, earning $25 million in damages.
Hogan's life was also marked by racial controversies. A leaked 2007 recording revealed Hogan using the racial slur "nigger," expressing disgust at the idea of his daughter dating a black man, and admitting to being "a racist, to a point." These revelations led to the termination of his contract with the WWE, the removal of his Hall of Fame status, and the erasure of references from their platforms.
Hogan's marriage to Linda ended bitterly with accusations of infidelity during their reality show years, causing public drama and harming his family's reputation. He also lost a major grilling endorsement deal due to a missed call and suffered various other criticisms in his later years.
Despite these controversies, Hulk Hogan was integral to helping WWE boss Vince McMahon thwart union organizing efforts in the 1980s. He was perhaps the biggest star in WWE's long history, and his influence extended beyond the ring.
President Donald Trump posted a photo on his Truth Social platform showing him arm wrestling Hulk Hogan. Brooke Bollea Oleksy, better known as Brooke Hogan, memorialized her father on social media. The Pinellas County medical examiner confirmed Hulk Hogan's cause of death as natural, with previous health issues including leukemia and atrial fibrillation.
Hulk Hogan's body will be cremated. Anyone not on the guest list was turned away from the service. Governor Ron DeSantis declared "Hulk Hogan Day in Florida" and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all official buildings last Friday, in recognition of the impact Hulk Hogan had on the state and the world of wrestling.
[1] The New York Times: Hulk Hogan's Racist Remarks and Fallout
[2] Sports Illustrated: Hulk Hogan's Controversial Career
[3] The Washington Post: Hulk Hogan's Life and Career
[1] The aftermath of Hulk Hogan's racial slur scandal, as reported by The New York Times, revealed a significant impact on his career and public image, with celebrities and sports personalities offering their opinions on the controversy.
[2] In a retrospective by Sports Illustrated, Hulk Hogan's eventful career, marked by in-ring feats and muscular physique, was countered by a series of controversies, involving celebrities and sports figures, that caused a wave of backlash and public scrutiny.
