Legendary Professional Wrestler Hulk Hogan Passes Away at Age 71
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, professional wrestling history is etched with the indelible mark of Hulk Hogan. Known as Terry Gene Bollea, Hulk Hogan's career included notable moments and appearances in Sin City, particularly during the 1990s when he wrestled at prominent venues like Caesars Palace.
One of the most significant moments in Hulk Hogan's Las Vegas career occurred at WrestleMania IX, held at Caesars Palace on April 5, 1993. It was here that Hulk Hogan seized the spotlight in an impromptu main event, pinning Yokozuna in a 22-second match to claim the WWF Championship. This victory ignited "Hulkamania," a craze that lasted more than a decade.
Prior to this, Hulk Hogan had already made a name for himself in Las Vegas. From 1981 to 1984, he competed at the Showboat Sports Pavilion under the American Wrestling Association (AWA). One of his most memorable matches during this period was a 14-man battle royale at the Showboat Sports Pavilion in November 1982, where he faced Andre the Giant.
Hulk Hogan's career in Las Vegas is not limited to his active wrestling performances. Posthumous tributes and honours continue to celebrate his high-profile status in wrestling history connected to the city. In 2025, after his death, tribute events and honors such as a traditional 10 bell salute were held in Las Vegas to recognise his contributions to wrestling, showing the lasting impression he left on the local wrestling scene and its fans.
Hulk Hogan is credited with helping transform professional wrestling into a multimillion-dollar spectacle. His over-the-top ring theatrics contributed to creating family entertainment, making wrestling accessible to a wider audience. However, his career was not without its challenges. In 2015, Hulk Hogan was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame due to a scandal over racist comments he made. He was reinstated in 2018.
Hulk Hogan's contributions to wrestling extended beyond Las Vegas. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and was a prominent figure in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Despite his death on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71 due to an apparent heart attack, his legacy continues to live on in the hearts of fans and the wrestling community alike.
References: 1. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/04/hulk-hogan-reveals-he-loves-las-vegas-and-has-a-special-place-in-his-heart-for-the-city-672411/ 2. https://www.tmz.com/2025/06/20/hulk-hogan-death-bed-recovery-neck-surgery/ 3. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2025/07/hulk-hogan-passes-away-at-age-71-tributes-flow-in-from-around-the-world-684968/ 4. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2025/07/hulk-hogan-remembered-as-a-legend-in-las-vegas-wrestling-scene-684979/
- Hulk Hogan's career was marked by significant events in Las Vegas, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s when he competed at venues like Caesars Palace and the Showboat Sports Pavilion.
- In 1993, Hulk Hogan seized the spotlight in a historic main event at WrestleMania IX, held at Caesars Palace, where he claimed the WWF Championship in a remarkable 22-second match.
- Prior to this, Hulk Hogan faced Andre the Giant in a memorable match during his tenure at the Showboat Sports Pavilion from 1981 to 1984.
- Even after his death on July 24, 2025, Hulk Hogan's impact on professional wrestling, especially in Las Vegas, was recognized through tribute events and honors.
- Despite being removed from the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 over a scandal involving racist comments, Hulk Hogan's legacy continued to thrive, making him a multimillion-dollar spectacle in the world of entertainment and sports.
- Hulk Hogan's contributions to wrestling extended beyond Las Vegas, as he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and served as a prominent figure in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
- Posthumous tributes, including a traditional 10 bell salute, were held in Las Vegas in 2025 to recognize Hulk Hogan's contributions to the wrestling community and his lasting impression on the local scene and its fans.
- The vibrant city of Las Vegas incorporated Hulk Hogan's influence into local culture, as his death became a big topic of discussion in the entertainment, casino, and gambling scene.
- Hulk Hogan's career spanned over four decades, and his series of wins and captivating presence in the wrestling ring cemented his status as a wrestling icon and celebrated celebrity.
