From the footy field (66) to the wrestling stage (71) —two legends farewelled in one week
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He was one of the most recognisable faces in pop culture—towering, tan, and larger than life.
He was also the man who booted nine goals on debut and made WA footy history.
Now, the wrestling and sporting worlds are both in mourning after the shock loss of two legendary figures.
Hulk Hogan, the wrestling icon known for his outlandish charisma and massive fan base, died at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Florida home.
According to his manager Chris Volo, Hogan—real name Terry Gene Bollea—passed away surrounded by his family after weeks of speculation about his health.
His wife, Sky, had only recently denied rumours that he was in a coma, assuring fans that his heart was still strong after multiple operations.
Hogan became a global superstar in the 1980s, helping turn professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment with his over-the-top theatrics, blonde horseshoe moustache, and signature bandannas.
Standing at 6ft 7in and weighing 145kg in his prime, Hogan headlined WrestleMania eight times and won the WWE Championship six times.
‘The Hulkster’ famously faced off against mentor André the Giant in a 1987 showdown watched by a record crowd of 93,173 people.
WWE confirmed his passing, saying: ‘WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. 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.’
In 1996, Hogan shifted to a darker persona by forming the New World Order (NWO) and adopting the moniker Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 but had his status revoked after a secretly recorded video showed him making racist remarks.
After successfully suing the blog that published the video, he re-emerged in the public eye and was re-inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.
An open supporter of Donald Trump, Hogan stole the show at the 2024 Republican National Convention, tearing his shirt open to reveal a Trump 2024 T-shirt.
He also had a decades-long acting career with roles in Rocky III, Suburban Commando, and Thunder in Paradise, as well as voicing animated characters in shows like Robot Chicken and American Dad!.
Hogan starred in his own reality show Hogan Knows Best, and appeared in countless other shows and films, becoming one of the most requested celebrities for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Tributes quickly poured in across social media and news outlets.
Donald Trump wrote: ‘Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way—Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart… Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!’
Fellow wrestling legend Ric Flair shared: ‘Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!’
Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone also posted: ‘My heart breaks.’
While Hogan’s death sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, AFL fans were equally devastated by the sudden death of goalkicking great Warren Ralph, aged 66.
The WAFL Hall of Famer passed away unexpectedly, with tributes flowing from across the footy community.
Ralph rose to fame playing for Claremont in the WAFL, before moving to Carlton and making an unforgettable VFL debut in 1984.
He kicked nine goals in his first game—second only to John Coleman’s record of 12 on debut—and finished the season with 55, including eight in the qualifying final.
Despite that explosive start, Ralph played just seven more senior games at Carlton over the next two seasons.
He later returned to Claremont and also spent a year with Glenelg, notching up 687 goals from 164 senior games.
Ralph was inducted into the WAFL Hall of Fame in 2019 and reflected on his career last year after receiving retrospective Bernie Naylor Medals for topping WAFL goalkicking charts in multiple seasons.
‘I loved kicking goals but that was what I was paid to do,’ he said.
‘I played footy for premierships and was privileged to play in three for Claremont… This (Bernie Naylor Medal) is a nice bit of icing on the cake. I didn’t expect it.’
Carlton historian Tony De Bolfo shared: ‘Sad news out of Perth with the passing at 66 of Warren Ralph… Vale.’
WA sports broadcaster Tim Gossage wrote: ‘Sad and shock news with sudden passing of WAFL Hall of Fame inductee Warren Ralph.’
Fans also paid tribute to Ralph’s talent and character, remembering him as an elite goalkicker and a ‘great bloke’ with unforgettable stories.
The loss of two beloved sporting figures has reminded many of the impact these legends had both on and off the field.
But for some icons, their final chapter wasn’t marked by sudden tragedy—it was a brave, public reckoning with illness and legacy.
One footy great faced cancer with dignity and honesty, opening up about the toll it took before his passing.
Read more: ‘No "woe is me" at all’: Footy legend shares devastating impacts of cancer before passing away
May both of these sporting legends rest in peace, remembered for the joy and legacy they left behind.
He was also the man who booted nine goals on debut and made WA footy history.
Now, the wrestling and sporting worlds are both in mourning after the shock loss of two legendary figures.
Hulk Hogan, the wrestling icon known for his outlandish charisma and massive fan base, died at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Florida home.
According to his manager Chris Volo, Hogan—real name Terry Gene Bollea—passed away surrounded by his family after weeks of speculation about his health.
His wife, Sky, had only recently denied rumours that he was in a coma, assuring fans that his heart was still strong after multiple operations.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies aged 71. Image source: Instagram/hulkhogan
Hogan became a global superstar in the 1980s, helping turn professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment with his over-the-top theatrics, blonde horseshoe moustache, and signature bandannas.
Standing at 6ft 7in and weighing 145kg in his prime, Hogan headlined WrestleMania eight times and won the WWE Championship six times.
‘The Hulkster’ famously faced off against mentor André the Giant in a 1987 showdown watched by a record crowd of 93,173 people.
WWE confirmed his passing, saying: ‘WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. 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.’
In 1996, Hogan shifted to a darker persona by forming the New World Order (NWO) and adopting the moniker Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 but had his status revoked after a secretly recorded video showed him making racist remarks.
After successfully suing the blog that published the video, he re-emerged in the public eye and was re-inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.
An open supporter of Donald Trump, Hogan stole the show at the 2024 Republican National Convention, tearing his shirt open to reveal a Trump 2024 T-shirt.
He also had a decades-long acting career with roles in Rocky III, Suburban Commando, and Thunder in Paradise, as well as voicing animated characters in shows like Robot Chicken and American Dad!.
Hogan starred in his own reality show Hogan Knows Best, and appeared in countless other shows and films, becoming one of the most requested celebrities for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Tributes quickly poured in across social media and news outlets.
Donald Trump wrote: ‘Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way—Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart… Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!’
Fellow wrestling legend Ric Flair shared: ‘Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!’
Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone also posted: ‘My heart breaks.’
While Hogan’s death sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, AFL fans were equally devastated by the sudden death of goalkicking great Warren Ralph, aged 66.
The WAFL Hall of Famer passed away unexpectedly, with tributes flowing from across the footy community.
Ralph rose to fame playing for Claremont in the WAFL, before moving to Carlton and making an unforgettable VFL debut in 1984.
AFL mourns sudden death of Warren Ralph. Image source: Instagram/rickynixontoot
He kicked nine goals in his first game—second only to John Coleman’s record of 12 on debut—and finished the season with 55, including eight in the qualifying final.
Despite that explosive start, Ralph played just seven more senior games at Carlton over the next two seasons.
He later returned to Claremont and also spent a year with Glenelg, notching up 687 goals from 164 senior games.
Ralph was inducted into the WAFL Hall of Fame in 2019 and reflected on his career last year after receiving retrospective Bernie Naylor Medals for topping WAFL goalkicking charts in multiple seasons.
‘I loved kicking goals but that was what I was paid to do,’ he said.
‘I played footy for premierships and was privileged to play in three for Claremont… This (Bernie Naylor Medal) is a nice bit of icing on the cake. I didn’t expect it.’
Carlton historian Tony De Bolfo shared: ‘Sad news out of Perth with the passing at 66 of Warren Ralph… Vale.’
WA sports broadcaster Tim Gossage wrote: ‘Sad and shock news with sudden passing of WAFL Hall of Fame inductee Warren Ralph.’
Fans also paid tribute to Ralph’s talent and character, remembering him as an elite goalkicker and a ‘great bloke’ with unforgettable stories.
The loss of two beloved sporting figures has reminded many of the impact these legends had both on and off the field.
But for some icons, their final chapter wasn’t marked by sudden tragedy—it was a brave, public reckoning with illness and legacy.
One footy great faced cancer with dignity and honesty, opening up about the toll it took before his passing.
Read more: ‘No "woe is me" at all’: Footy legend shares devastating impacts of cancer before passing away
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aka Hulk Hogan. Condolences to his loved ones 
