The wrestling world lost an icon on July 24, 2025, when Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, passed away at 71 due to cardiac arrest.
His larger-than-life persona, flamboyant style, and massive physique defined an era of professional wrestling.
With his trademark blond horseshoe mustache, colorful bandanas, and the rise of “Hulkamania” in the 1980s, Hogan became a household name.
But alongside his fame, questions about his use of anabolic steroids have lingered, sparking debates about their effect on his health and legacy.
Hulk Hogan burst onto the wrestling scene in 1977 at the age of 24, but his love for the sport began much earlier.
At 16, he idolized wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes and dreamed of stepping into the ring. His dedication led him to train tirelessly, carving a physique that became his calling card.
By the mid-1980s, Hogan was the face of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), captivating audiences with his charm and larger-than-life presence.
He coined the term “Hulkamaniacs” for his devoted fans and preached his three “demandments“: training, saying prayers, and eating vitamins.
Yet, behind the scenes, Hogan’s massive physique wasn’t just the result of hard work in the gym.
He later admitted to using anabolic steroids as early as 1976 to gain the size and strength that made him a star.
This revelation, coupled with the physical toll of his wrestling career, has led many to question whether steroids contributed to his health struggles and, ultimately, his sudden death.
The 1980s Wrestling Scene Was A High-Octane World Of Spectacle, But It Had A Darker Side
Steroids were dominant, with many wrestlers using them to achieve the chiseled, superhuman look demanded by the industry.
Hogan, like others, turned to these substances to enhance his performance and appearance.
In 1994, during the trial of WWF owner Vince McMahon, Hogan testified under oath that he had used steroids since 1976 to grow in size and weight.
However, he insisted that McMahon neither supplied the drugs nor encouraged their use.
The trial arose from the 1991 conviction of Dr. George Zahorian III, a ringside doctor for WWF matches in Pennsylvania, who was found guilty of illegally distributing anabolic steroids to wrestlers.
Hogan’s testimony, given under legal immunity, revealed the extent of steroid use in the industry.
While his candor helped McMahon avoid conviction, it also shone a spotlight on the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs in wrestling.
In 1992, hoping to quell speculation, Hogan appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show and claimed he had only used steroids on three occasions, all under medical supervision for muscle injuries.
This statement contradicted his later testimony, raising questions about the full scope of his steroid use.
A user on X recently posted,
“He used anabolic steroids… Hulk Hogan admitted to using steroids during his wrestling career. Research indicates that the use of anabolic steroids can shorten your lifespan. “
Via X
alongside images highlighting risks like cardiovascular complications, liver damage, and increased mortality.
Embed from Getty ImagesHogan’s career demanded more than just charisma—it required enduring brutal matches, heavy weightlifting, and constant travel.
The physical strain took a toll, particularly on his back. Years of high-impact moves and intense training led to chronic pain and multiple surgeries.
In December 2010, Hogan underwent spinal fusion surgery, which allowed him to resume some professional activities. However, his troubles didn’t end there.
In 2013, Hogan filed a $50 million medical malpractice lawsuit against the Laser Spine Institute, alleging that the clinic performed six “unnecessary and ineffective” spinal operations that worsened his condition.
He claimed the institute used his name in advertisements without permission, further complicating his recovery.
These health struggles, combined with the long-term effects of steroid use, show a man whose body paid a steep price for his fame.
Hogan’s Life Was Also Marked By Personal Loss
His brother, Allan Bollea, died at 38 from a drug overdose, a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse.
While Hogan avoided a similar fate in his youth, the wrestling world of the 1980s was rife with challenges, including drug use and the pressure to perform.
An X user recalled on this era, writing,
R.I.P. Hulk Hogan. It was a miracle when any 80s wrestler survived the steroids and concussions and made it to 50. The fact that you made it to 71 means we need to study your superhuman DNA. pic.twitter.com/Z4GjSiSL6Z
— Ben Fleming (@fleming_benn) July 24, 2025
Hogan’s steroid use has been a polarizing topic.
To some, it was a necessary part of building the Hulk Hogan persona—a larger-than-life figure who inspired millions.
To others, it was a dangerous choice that epitomized the excesses of the era.
One X user quipped,
“Literally all Hulk Hogan did, was shoot steroids in his arms and tell children to take their vitamins.”
Via X
While reductive, the comment catches the duality of Hogan’s image: a hero to kids, but a symbol of wrestling’s complicated relationship with performance-enhancing drugs.
Research supports concerns about steroids’ long-term effects.
Anabolic steroids can increase muscle mass and strength, but they also carry risks like heart disease, liver damage, and hormonal imbalances.
For wrestlers like Hogan, who used them for years, these risks may have compounded the physical wear and tear of their profession.
Whether steroids directly contributed to Hogan’s cardiac arrest at 71 remains unconfirmed, but the speculation continues among fans and observers.
Hulk Hogan’s death leaves fans mourning a legend. His story is one of triumph, controversy, and perseverance.
The “Hulkamania” era brought joy to millions, but it also came at a cost. The physical demands of wrestling, coupled with steroid use, likely took a toll on his body.
Yet, Hogan’s ability to delight audiences and inspire generations speaks to his unique place in history.
Rest in peace, Hulkster. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of Hulkamaniacs everywhere.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He was the son of construction foreman Pietro “Peter” Bollea and his mother, homemaker and dance teacher Ruth V.
- Hogan was accused multiple times of allegedly fabricating elements of his past.
- Hogan was honored as the 2008 King of the Krewe of Bacchus, a New Orleans carnival organization.
