The world of professional wrestling mourned the passing of Hulk Hogan on July 24, 2025. The WWE Hall of Famer, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died at age 71 from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home, confirmed by both Florida police and WWE officials[1][4]. Hogan’s death marks the end of an era — he was a pioneer who helped WWE become a mainstream global phenomenon in the 1980s and beyond.

However, Hogan’s legacy remains complex. In 2015, he was at the center of controversy when a leaked tape surfaced showing him making racist remarks, which led to his firing from WWE at the time. The reputation-damaging audio was leaked by Florida radio host Mike Calta, who recently spoke on his podcast, “The Mike Calta Show,” addressing the news of Hogan’s death with a blunt, dismissive reaction: “Eh, Who Cares?”[Reference]. This cold reaction underscores the divisive nature of Hogan’s public image, reflecting how his personal failings continue to influence perceptions even after his passing.

Hulk Hogan: A Wrestling Icon with a Controversial Past

Hogan was arguably the most recognizable figure in professional wrestling history. He headlined the very first WrestleMania in 1985 and collected at least six WWE Championships during his decorated career[1]. Beyond the squared circle, Hogan expanded his brand into movies like Rocky III, reality television, and multiple endorsements, becoming a household name through his mustachioed, bandana-wearing persona.

Yet, Hogan’s career was often marred by off-ring controversies. One of the most damaging was the release of the racist rant tape in 2015, which triggered significant backlash and ended his then-existing relationship with WWE. The tape’s leak by Mike Calta was a pivotal moment that shocked fans and the wrestling community alike, casting a long shadow over Hogan’s contributions to the business[Reference].

WWE’s Response to Hogan’s Death

Following the news of Hogan’s death, WWE issued a statement on their official social media channels expressing sadness and extending condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans. They acknowledged Hogan’s monumental impact in elevating WWE’s global recognition during the 1980s and his status as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures”[1][4]. The company’s message was respectful and focused on Hogan’s achievements rather than the controversies.

Santino Marella Reacts to WWE In-Ring Return Amidst Hogan’s Passing

In wrestling news concurrent with Hogan’s death, Santino Marella — a fan-favorite WWE performer — recently reacted to his own WWE in-ring return. Santino, known for his comedic talent and charismatic style, commented on the emotional significance of returning to the ring after a hiatus. While this event is unrelated to Hogan’s passing directly, it highlights the ongoing evolution of WWE and its roster in the wake of losing such a seminal figure.

Sources close to Marella revealed in interviews and wrestling media outlets like Fightful that Santino feels motivated and eager to contribute to the WWE product, seeing it as a tribute to veterans like Hogan who laid the groundwork for the current generation[Reference]. Marella’s return also signals WWE’s move toward blending nostalgia with fresh talent, continuing the legacy of wrestling legends.

The Complex Legacy of Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan’s death has reignited discussions about how to balance a wrestler’s professional achievements against their personal flaws. Fans and industry voices remain divided — some remember Hogan as the charismatic figure who launched wrestling into global pop culture prominence; others cannot separate him from the racism controversy that disrupted his career.

Mike Calta’s dismissive reaction on his podcast symbolized a faction of fans and insiders unwilling to overlook Hogan’s problematic history. Meanwhile, official WWE channels and many wrestling personalities have chosen to focus on Hogan’s influence and contributions to the sport.

Beyond his wrestling career, Hogan was also known for his legal battles concerning privacy, notably winning a $115 million lawsuit against Gawker Media after they published a sex tape without his consent. These legal struggles further complicated his public narrative but underscored his fight for personal rights amid intense media scrutiny[1].

Conclusion

Hulk Hogan’s passing marks a significant moment for professional wrestling—the end of a chapter filled with iconic matches, larger-than-life character moments, and undeniable global influence. Yet, the mixed reactions to his death reflect the wrestling world’s ongoing struggle to reconcile Hogan’s legendary status with the controversies that shadowed his legacy.

As WWE continues to evolve with stars like Santino Marella making comebacks, the history and impact of figures like Hogan will remain a central part of wrestling conversation—both celebrated and debated.

Sources: WWE.com, ESPN, TMZ Sports, Snopes, Fightful, “The Mike Calta Show” podcast