Hulk Hogan had incredible net worth before WWE legend and film star's death at 71

The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of one of its greatest stars, Hulk Hogan, who has died at the age of 71. The sad news of his passing was announced on Thursday, July 24, after he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.

Hulk, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, leaves behind his wife, Sky Daily, and his two children, Brooke Hogan and Nick Hogan, as well as his two grandchildren, Oliver and Molly. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the wrestling legend had amassed an estimated fortune of £18.9million before his death.

The bulk of his wealth came from his illustrious career in professional wrestling and numerous appearances on reality television shows. However, his fortune took a hit when he lost millions in his divorce from ex-wife Linda.

Hulk's wrestling career, which began in 1977, saw him become one of the most recognised athletes globally after signing with the WWF (now WWE) in December 1983.

He was a five-time WWF Champion, holding the title for a record-breaking 1,474 days during the WrestleMania era. Hulk also made history by becoming the first wrestler to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches in 1990 and 1991. One of his most lucrative bouts was the highly publicised match against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III.

Beyond his lucrative wrestling career, Hulk also emerged as a pop culture phenomenon recognised for his striking, magnetic personality and iconic blonde horseshoe moustache. Throughout the years, Hulk secured numerous television and film roles.

Hulk appeared in the films Rocky III, No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, Andre the Giant, WWE: Survivor Series 1995, Mr. Nanny, amongst many others. Between 1993 and 1995 Hulk also featured in the television action series Thunder in Paradise portraying the character Randolph J. "Hurricane" Spencer.

Hulk subsequently headlined his own reality television programme' Hogan Knows Best' which debuted in July 2005 and concluded in 2007. The programme chronicled Hulk and his family including his wife Linda, his daughter Brooke Hogan and his son, Nick Hogan.

The programme documented the dramatic yet entertaining family as they frequently played tricks on one another.

Throughout his lifetime, Hulk also established numerous commercial ventures. In 1995, he launched an Italian eatery called Pastamania in the Mall of America in Minnesota. The restaurant closed one year after its original opening.

Hulk established a second restaurant called Hogan's Beach in Tampa, Florida. Following that venture's closure, a fresh location was eventually launched in Clearwater Beach called Hogan's Hangout, which remains operational today.

In 2006, Hulk Hogan introduced his own range of citrus-flavoured energy drinks called Hogan Energy. The beverage was developed in collaboration with the company Socko and featured an image of Hulk on the packaging. However, these drinks have since been discontinued.

Hulk also had his very own collection of action figures produced by Mattel. The range included several different lines such as Elite, Defining Moments, and Ultimate Edition, all featuring Hulk in various outfits and accessories.

This article first appeared on Mirror US.