Fans Say Hulk Hogan Looked Drastically Different After Major Facial Change Before His Death at 71 – Before & After Photos

From wrestling rings to red carpets, Hulk Hogan was always larger than life. But in his final days, fans noticed something had changed. These rare photos trace his physical evolution, and the emotional response it stirred.

From body-slamming opponents in packed arenas to starring on reality TV, Hulk Hogan dominated pop culture for more than 40 years.

But just before his death at 71, the wrestling legend stunned fans with a noticeably altered appearance. Take a look at this collection of photos that reveal his physical evolution.

1980

In 1980, Hulk was at the start of what would become one of the most recognizable careers in professional wrestling. His frame was already imposing — broad-shouldered, muscular, and visibly athletic.

He had a full head of straight, blond hair that was already thinning slightly on top, a look that would become part of his trademark image.

1982

1984

1985

1986

1987

1990

By 1990, Hulk's physical presence had become larger-than-life — not just in stature, but in public recognition. His face looked broader and more filled out, with a pronounced jaw and stronger cheek structure.

His signature blond mustache had thickened, and his skin appeared noticeably darker. The thinning hair on top had become more prominent, but he kept it covered with a bandana that had become a defining part of his look.

1991

1992

1993

1994

1996

1998

1999

2004

By 2004, Hulk's appearance had shifted further from his wrestling prime and closer to the mainstream celebrity image he carried during the height of his reality TV fame.

His face looked fuller and more rounded, with visible aging around the eyes and jaw. His mustache remained thick and meticulously groomed, while his tan had deepened significantly, giving his skin a darker, weathered tone.

He continued to wear a bandana regularly, now paired with casual clothing that emphasized his still-muscular frame.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2011

By 2011, Hulk's face had begun to show more visible signs of aging. Fine lines were more pronounced, particularly around the eyes and mouth, and his skin had started to sag slightly along the cheeks.

However, his signature mustache remained thick and white, contrasting with his deeply tanned skin. He still wore a bandana pulled low across his forehead, and his hair, now noticeably thinner, hung straight down the back.

2013

2014

2015

2016

2018

2023

By 2023, Hulk's facial appearance had become more noticeably altered. His cheeks appeared more hollow, and the lines around his mouth and eyes had deepened.

His jawline, once sharply defined, now looked slightly softer and less firm. While his mustache remained thick and white, the surrounding skin looked looser and more textured.

Despite the changes, he kept his signature style intact — sunglasses perched on his bandana, dark shirts stretched over a still-muscular frame, and layered jewelry.

2024

2025

In the final months of his life, Hulk kept a surprisingly active presence online. Despite his declining health, the wrestling legend shared upbeat videos and photos on Instagram.

He was seen flexing his signature muscles, wearing his iconic red bandana, engaging with fans, and even appeared with President Donald Trump on other social media accounts.

His frame appeared thinner, his jaw more pronounced, and his facial lines deeper. Only those closest to him saw what many did not — a man quietly battling serious health complications.

Then, on July 24, 2025, the famous wrestler's death was announced via Instagram in a post that read in part, "Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones."

It was later revealed that Hulk had died of cardiac arrest at 71, following a series of health struggles. A source close to the family shared that the wrestling star had been battling a weakened heart and was on oxygen in his final weeks.

Hulk reportedly experienced shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, and significant weight loss as he spent his final days in his Clearwater, Florida, home.

Despite the decline, those closest to him said Hulk found peace in reconciling with estranged loved ones before his death.

Despite his passing allegedly coming as a shock to his family, he reportedly knew his time was coming and made an effort to settle scores and ensure that nothing important was left unsaid.

One insider described the wrestler's final months as "more ups than downs," even though he had not spoken to his daughter, Brooke Hogan, for several years and was allegedly "heartbroken" over their estrangement.

However, Brooke later told those close to her that she was grateful for one last phone call with her father. According to reports, their final conversation took place in 2023, just before Hulk's marriage to Sky Daily.

During that call, Brooke expressed concern for his health and urged him to slow down. Hulk, in turn, apologized — though it is not known exactly what for. They reportedly never spoke again.

Online, netizens noticed the transformation in the WWE star's appearance leading up to his death, as one person commented, "Does anyone believe this is Hulk Hogan?"

Another person shared, "No way! His mouth and eyes are different. No way that's him," while a third simply typed, "Sad." Someone else wrote, "Dog the Bounty Hunter is that you? Baby Lisa called and said bring home milk and eggs."

Hulk Hogan's physical transformation mirrored the highs and hardships of his decades in the spotlight. From wrestling icon to cultural symbol, his image evolved — but his impact never faded. Even in his final days, he remained larger than life, and fans won't soon forget him.