🕯️ THE IMMORTAL FALLS: HULK HOGAN DEAD AT 71
This one shook the industry to its core. On July 24, 2025, wrestling’s biggest name — Hulk Hogan — passed away at age 71 following cardiac arrest. The man who slammed Andre, headlined WrestleMania after WrestleMania, and carried wrestling into the mainstream is gone.
Whether you loved him, booed him in the nWo days, or just respected his game-changing legacy, there’s no denying it — Hogan was the face of the business. A 12-time world champion, global icon, and arguably the most recognizable pro wrestler of all time, his death was widely marked as the biggest loss of the year by nearly every major wrestling outlet.
From his time in the AWA, WWF, WCW and even TNA — Hogan was pro wrestling for decades. Brother, we salute you.
⚰️ FAREWELL TO HARDCORE: SABU (TERRY BRUNK)
Also gone is the Hardcore Icon, Sabu, who died at age 60 due to ongoing heart complications. A revolutionary in ECW and one of the wildest performers ever to hit the ring, Sabu’s fearless, table-crashing, scar-covered legacy will never be forgotten.
His matches weren’t just fights — they were chaotic art. His name lives on in every dive, every blade, and every fan still wearing the scars of the 90s. Hardcore Heaven has a new headliner now.
🧠FROM THE GRIDIRON TO THE RING: STEVE “MONGO” McMICHAEL
NFL legend turned WCW star, Steve “Mongo” McMichael, passed away at 67 after a lengthy, public battle with ALS. Despite entering wrestling late, Mongo made an unforgettable impact in WCW and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame before his passing.
Say what you want about his in-ring work — Mongo brought real intensity, and his charisma translated across both football and pro wrestling fields.
🏰 OTHER STARS GONE TOO SOON
2025 was relentless. The industry lost several more veterans:
- Sir Mo (Bobby Horne), former WWE Tag Team Champion as one-half of Men on a Mission, passed at 58.
- Col. DeBeers, the controversial AWA and UWF character known for his heat-seeking promos, died at 80.
- Black Bart, the grizzled cowboy and NWA veteran, passed at 77.
- Ozzy, whose identity remains uncertain at press time, also passed away in 2025 and is remembered by fans and peers alike.
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM HANNIBAL:
2025 was one of the toughest years in combat sports history. These weren’t just wrestlers — they were storytellers, fighters, and icons who shaped generations.
We owe it to their memory to carry on this great sport with the same intensity, passion, and pride they brought to the ring every night.
RIP to the legends.
We’ll see you down the road.
