You’ve probably seen the headlines popping up again. It happens every few months like clockwork on social media. Someone shares a grainy photo, a vague caption, or a "RIP" post that spreads like wildfire through your feed. It makes you stop scrolling and wonder: did Hulk Hogan pass away today? The short answer is no, not today. But the reason people are searching for this is tied to a very real, very somber event from last year that many fans are still processing.
Terry Gene Bollea, the man the world knows as Hulk Hogan, actually passed away on July 24, 2025. He was 71 years old. He died at his home in Clearwater, Florida, following a cardiac arrest. While today—January 18, 2026—isn't the date of his passing, the internet has a way of resurfacing old news as if it’s happening in real-time.
Why the Rumors Keep Surfacing in 2026
The internet is a weird place. Algorithms don't always care about dates. When a tribute video gets shared or a fan posts a "missing you" message, it can trigger a surge of searches from people who missed the news when it actually broke.
Honestly, it’s easy to see why people are confused. Just this week, news broke about upcoming Mattel action figures—the WWE Ultimate Edition 30 set—which features Hogan. Seeing his name in the news for new merchandise can lead folks to Google his name, only to stumble upon the news of his death from six months ago.
💡 You might also like: Olivia Haschak Explained: How Old the Youngest Sister is in 2026
It’s a bit of a digital echo.
The Reality of July 24, 2025
The day he died was chaotic for the wrestling world. It wasn't entirely unexpected for those paying close attention to the "dirt sheets," but it was still a massive shock to the general public.
Earlier that year, in May 2025, Hogan had undergone a cervical fusion surgery to deal with decades of neck and back pain. You have to remember, this is a man who spent forty years dropping 300 pounds onto his own tailbone every single night. He famously said he’d had over 25 surgeries in the last decade alone.
By June, rumors were flying. People like Bubba the Love Sponge were claiming Hogan was on his "deathbed." His wife, Sky Daily, actually came out and denied those reports, saying his heart was strong.
But then, on that Thursday morning in July, emergency services were called to his Clearwater residence around 9:50 AM. The call was for cardiac arrest. Despite the best efforts of paramedics—who were seen performing chest compressions as he was moved to the ambulance—he was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital at 11:17 AM.
Major Nate Burnside of the Clearwater Police eventually confirmed there were no signs of foul play. It was just a heart that had finally given out after a very long, very loud life.
A Legacy That Refuses to Fade
Hogan was never just a wrestler. He was a human cartoon. A superhero in red and yellow spandex.
✨ Don't miss: Looking Forward Maya Henry: The Story Behind the Book and Why Everyone is Still Talking
Think back to the 80s. You couldn't go into a grocery store without seeing his face on a cereal box or a vitamins jar. He was the engine that drove the WWF (now WWE) from a regional promotion into a global empire. Without the Hulkster, there's likely no WrestleMania. There’s no Rock. There’s no John Cena.
But he was also a man of deep contradictions. He was the "Real American" who got caught in a massive scandal involving racial slurs on a leaked tape. He was the guy who won a $140 million judgment against Gawker, effectively killing the website.
He lived long enough to be the hero, then the villain (nWo era), then the hero again, and finally, a complicated elder statesman.
What the Wrestling World Looks Like Now
In 2026, the WWE is moving forward, but the shadow of the Hulkster is everywhere. At the recent TNA Genesis event and in the build-up to the 2026 Royal Rumble, legends like Ric Flair and former colleagues have frequently mentioned him in promos.
His daughter, Brooke, and son, Nick, have been vocal about keeping his charitable work alive. They’ve been seen at several events recently promoting the "Hulkamania" brand, ensuring that while the man is gone, the "gimmick"—as he called it—lives on.
📖 Related: Does Anna Kendrick Like Blake Lively? What Really Happened With the Simple Favor Co-Stars
Even Donald Trump, a long-time friend of Bollea, posted a tribute noting that Hogan was "MAGA all the way" and a "cultural icon." Whether you loved him or hated him, you couldn't ignore him.
Clearing Up the Confusion
If you see a post today saying he just passed, check the source. Usually, these are "clickbait" sites or automated accounts looking for engagement.
- Did he die today? No.
- Is he still with us? No, he passed in July 2025.
- Was there a cover-up? No, the medical examiner confirmed it was a heart attack.
The best way to honor the guy isn't by sharing fake news. It's by going back and watching his match with The Rock at WrestleMania X8 or his heel turn at Bash at the Beach '96. That's where the real magic was.
Next Steps for Fans and Researchers
To stay informed about the ongoing tributes and the legal status of his estate, you should follow official channels.
- Check WWE.com for official Hall of Fame tribute videos and upcoming merchandise releases.
- Monitor reputable news outlets like the Associated Press or BBC News for any new developments regarding his estate or the Clearwater police reports.
- Verify social media posts by looking at the "Date Published" on articles before sharing them with friends.
The "Hulkster" might be gone, but as he always said: "Hulkamania is immortal, brother."