TORONTO — Even as Hulkamania was catching fire around the world, former WWE referee Jimmy Korderas says Hulk Hogan always treated him like “one of the boys.” When Korderas joined what was then called the WWF in 1985, one of his first jobs was picking up wrestlers from the airport and driving them to Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens.

Former WWE referee Jimmy Korderas remembers working with Hulk Hogan during the wrestler's heyday. Korderas joined what was then called the WWF in 1985 and one of his first jobs was picking up wrestlers from the airport and driving them to Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens for matches. Hogan died July 24 at age 71. (July 25, 2025)

Arguably the most famous wrestler ever, Hulk Hogan, has died at age 71. TMZ first reported the news early Thursday afternoon, with World Wrestling Entertainment later confirming. NBC News reported Hogan died at his home in Florida, according to his manager Chris Volo.