Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Passes Away at Age 71, Leaving Legacy

The wrestling community is mourning the loss of Hulk Hogan, a pivotal figure in professional wrestling, who passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 71. This news has reverberated particularly in Calgary, where Hogan’s influence has been felt deeply within the local wrestling scene.

Calgary’s own Ross Hart, a member of the renowned Hart family and a significant contributor to the wrestling community, expressed his surprise at the news. “Seventy-one is a pretty young age, relatively, to pass away,” Hart stated. While he never worked directly with Hogan, Hart acknowledged the profound impact Hogan had on the sport. “He was probably the most important and influential figure in pro wrestling history. He transformed wrestling from a local promotion identity into a major global phenomenon. That speaks to his charisma, his interview skills, and his in-ring presence.”

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was born in 1953. He achieved superstardom in the 1980s as the heavyweight champion of the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF). His iconic red and yellow attire, electrifying entrance music, and magnetic interviews made him the first mainstream wrestling superstar. Hogan’s fame extended beyond the wrestling ring; he starred in movies, had his own cartoon series, and even appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

“He’s a complicated figure,” noted Heath McCoy, a senior communications specialist at the University of Calgary and author of Pain and Passion: The History of Stampede Wrestling. McCoy highlighted that while Hogan was a symbol of wrestling’s golden age, his legacy has been marred by controversies, including allegations of steroid use and offensive remarks caught on video. Yet, McCoy emphasized Hogan’s undeniable contribution to the wrestling industry. “He does have a complicated legacy, but you can’t take away what he did for the business and what an idol he was. People grew up idolizing him; they wanted to be wrestlers because of him.”

For local wrestler and coach Ali Farhat, known as The Beast From the Middle East, Hogan’s influence is evident in his training methods. Although Farhat did not grow up watching wrestling, he became inspired after being encouraged by fellow wrestler Ted Hart to enter the ring. “When I created The Beast from the Middle East, I took the intensity from Goldberg, the charisma from Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the showmanship from Hulk Hogan,” Farhat explained. He incorporates Hogan’s techniques into the curriculum he teaches at the Workforce Fitness Performance Centre in Calgary.

“Hogan’s image is literally part of my training space,” Farhat mentioned. “I’ve got his picture up on the ceiling, facing down. So, when students are on their back, they get inspired by him.” For Farhat and many fans who grew up watching wrestling, Hogan’s legacy transcends the scandals that have surfaced over the years. “He was everything to wrestling. You can’t even put into words what his impact has been on the industry.”

As the wrestling community processes this loss, it is clear that Hogan’s contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark. His larger-than-life persona and significant role in shaping the wrestling landscape will be remembered by fans and wrestlers alike.