Hulk Hogan's greatest moments and matches as WWE legend dead at 71

Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Florida, according to reports. The American star made his name as a wrestler before appearing in a series of films.

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, began his wrestling career in 1977 and helped make the sport popular with a family audience due to his charisma and personality. He won six WWE Championships and also featured in films such as Rocky III, Suburban Commando and Muppets from Space. And Express Sport takes a look at some of his greatest moments.

Hogan defeats The Iron Sheik

Hulk Hogan created history for WWE when he defeated The Iron Sheik to become the brand's heavyweight champion in 1984.

The larger-than-life character gave WWE exactly what they needed to grow their audience and launch a national expansion.

Former WWE owner Vince McMahon virtually built his empire on Hogan, with the corporation becoming a multi-billion-dollar company before being bought by Endeavor in 2023.

Hogan takes on Andre the Giant

The 1987 showdown between Hogan and Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III was one of the biggest contests ever in WWE.

Andre the Giant had an eight-year undefeated streak at the time, with Hogan going into the clash as the underdog.

But Hogan finished his opponent off with a bodyslam as he proved he was the greatest wrestler of his generation.

The Royal Rumble

Hogan's popularity was in decline by the early 1990s and he was eliminated at the 1992 Royal Rumble by Sid Justice. Hogan then grabbed Justice's hand and pulled him out of the ring as the crowd began to boo.

The incident marked a changing of the guard as the iconic wrestler struggled to hold onto his spot as the main attraction.

Hogan and The Rock clash

In 2002, Hogan returned to WWE for the first time in almost a decade. And later that year he took on The Rock in one of the best contests in the promotion's history.

Hogan ultimately succumbed to a People's Elbow, but the fans loved him and cheered him enthusiastically.

Hall of Fame Induction

Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 as he became the biggest attraction of the ceremony.

Sylvester Stallone did the honours and Hogan gave a heart-warming speech as he spoke about his time in the sport.