Two-time WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion Hulk Hogan , born Terry Gene Bollea , died Thursday at the age of 71, according to Clearwater, Florida, police and World Wrestling Entertainment.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company said. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977 and featured prominently in World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE), World Championship Wrestling and Impact Wrestling, but it his was run with the WWE in the 1980s that propelled him and the company to the cultural zeitgeist.

Hogan is widely credited for helping to tu

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