On July 24, 2025, the world of professional wrestling was struck by profound loss with the passing of Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, at the age of 71. Known for his towering 6’7” stature, electrifying charisma, and iconic career with the WWE, Hogan was a global phenomenon, headlining WrestleMania and defining the 1980s wrestling boom. Yet, beyond the ring, his final years revealed a deeply personal journey—a spiritual transformation rooted in a renewed faith in Jesus Christ. As fans mourn the “Prince of Darkness,” Hogan’s legacy of redemption, marked by his public baptism and heartfelt reflections, shines as a testament to a life that transcended fame.

From Hulkamania to Humility

Hulk Hogan’s name is synonymous with wrestling’s golden era. His larger-than-life persona, complete with red and yellow bandanas and “24-inch pythons,” made him a household name, starring in blockbuster events and even reality TV with Hogan Knows Best. His business ventures, like Real American Beer, kept him in the spotlight. But behind the fame lay a man grappling with personal and professional trials, from a high-profile divorce to a 2015 controversy involving racial slurs that led to a temporary WWE ban. These challenges, as Hogan later shared, pushed him to a breaking point, prompting a return to his spiritual roots.

At 14, Hogan accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, but he admitted to straying from that path amid fame’s temptations. “I derailed,” he told CBN News in 2024, reflecting on decades of wild living. By his late 60s, facing health struggles and personal setbacks, Hogan reached a turning point. “I just surrendered,” he said. “I couldn’t do it anymore. I went back to the Bible and started reading again.” His commitment was unwavering: “I’m either all the way in or all the way out. If I’m with my Lord and Savior, I’m all in.”

A Public Baptism at 70

In December 2023, Hogan and his wife, Sky Daily, took a profound step, undergoing baptism together at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida. The moment, captured in a viral Instagram video, showed the couple immersed in water, surrounded by loved ones. Hogan’s caption read, “Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love!” The post resonated with millions, amassing over 500,000 likes and thousands of comments praising his openness. Fans on X echoed the sentiment, with one writing, “Hogan’s faith journey is as epic as his wrestling career.”

The baptism wasn’t just symbolic; it marked a rebirth. In a CBN interview, Hogan described it as “a major pivot in my life,” saying, “I felt all anew.” The act, shared publicly, was a bold declaration of his renewed faith, contrasting the brash “Hulkster” persona with a quieter, reflective Terry Bollea. His wife, Sky, whom he married in 2023, played a key role, joining him in family baptisms that included her children, reinforcing their shared spiritual commitment.

A Message of Hope

Hogan’s final years were marked by a mission to share his faith. In one of his last public statements, he spoke of a “spiritual war in this fallen world,” urging others to “turn to the truth, seek Him, and you shall find.” His advice was simple yet profound: “Step outside your comfort zone and accept Christ… He’ll heal the land, heal this nation, heal the people.” These words, delivered with the same conviction that once rallied wrestling crowds, resonated deeply, especially after his passing. On X, fans shared clips of his CBN interview, with one user noting, “Hogan’s faith gave him peace—hope it inspires others.”

His spiritual journey wasn’t without context. Health struggles, including a 1991 spinal injury and a 2020 Parkinson’s diagnosis, tested his resilience. Yet, Hogan’s faith provided solace, evident in his calm demeanor during his final public appearance at WWE Raw in January 2025. Despite boos from some fans, his message of redemption shone through, a stark contrast to earlier controversies like the 2015 Gawker lawsuit over a leaked tape.

A Legacy Beyond the Ring

Hogan’s wrestling achievements—six WWE championships, headlining eight WrestManias—are legendary. His cultural impact, from Rocky III to The Osbournes-style reality TV, made him a pop culture titan. But those closest to him, including Sky and his children, Brooke and Nick, remember a man who found peace in faith. His baptism and public reflections reframed his legacy, showing a side that balanced the “Hulkster’s” bravado with Terry Bollea’s vulnerability.

The wrestling community mourned deeply. Ric Flair, a longtime friend, wrote on X, “Hogan’s faith inspired me—he was a true brother.” John Cena shared a photo of their iconic matches, captioning it, “A legend in and out of the ring.” Fans echoed this, gathering outside his Clearwater, Florida, home with candles and memorabilia, honoring a man who spoke to their struggles through music and faith.

Challenges and Context

Organizing Hogan’s legacy tributes wasn’t without hurdles. His family, led by Sky, planned a private memorial, navigating media frenzy and public grief. Past controversies, including the 2015 scandal, resurfaced, with some X users questioning his redemption arc. “Faith doesn’t erase the past,” one wrote, though others defended his growth, citing his apology and community work. His health struggles, detailed in a forthcoming documentary, Hulk Hogan: The Final Bell, set for release on Peacock, add depth to his story, showing a man who fought physical and spiritual battles.

Musk’s recent philanthropy, like his $200 million education pledge, contrasts with Hogan’s quieter acts, yet both reflect a desire to leave a positive mark. Hogan’s faith journey, though personal, became a public beacon, aligning with his message of healing through surrender.

A Lasting Impact

Hulk Hogan’s death at 71 marked the end of an era, but his legacy endures through his faith. The baptism video, his CBN words, and his call to “seek Him” have inspired countless fans, with X posts sharing his message of redemption. From the ring to the church, Hogan’s journey was one of transformation—a working-class kid who became a global icon, then found peace in surrender. As one fan wrote, “Hogan didn’t just lift weights; he lifted hearts with his faith.” In a world often divided, his final chapter reminds us that even legends find strength in belief, leaving a legacy that shines brighter than any championship belt.