Terry Gene Bollea, better known to the world as Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71, leaving fans of both professional wrestling and heavy metal stunned and heartbroken.

According to early reports, Hogan died suddenly on Wednesday, July 24, 2025. While official details are still emerging, tributes are already pouring in from fans, wrestlers, and musicians alike.

Though best known for his electric charisma in the ring, Hulk Hogan had a lesser-known but lifelong passion for rock and heavy metal music. From his earliest wrestling promos to his personal life, Hogan frequently referenced legendary bands like Metallica, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, and Black Sabbath.

“I always trained with loud rock in the background — it gets your blood pumping,” Hogan once said in a 2009 interview. “Metal and wrestling just go together, brother.”

In fact, during the height of his wrestling fame in the ’80s and ’90s, Hogan often attended rock concerts and even struck up friendships with iconic rockers. He was also a bassist in several bands before ever stepping into the squared circle.

“If I didn’t become a wrestler, I’d probably be touring with a band,” he told Rolling Stone in a 2011 feature. “That loud, heavy sound — that was my first love.”

Fans of both worlds — wrestling and music — are mourning the loss of a true icon who stood at the intersection of power, personality, and pure rock energy.

Hogan is survived by his children and a legion of fans who grew up watching him tear down the ring and headbang backstage.

There’s no word yet on memorial arrangements, but it’s clear that the legend of Hulk Hogan won’t be forgotten — especially by those who knew that behind the wrestling boots was a headbanger at heart.