HULK Token Surges 122,000% as OZZY Rises 16,800% Following Hulk Hogan and Ozzy Osbourne Deaths

Memecoins inspired by the late wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and rock legend Ozzy Osbourne experienced sharp price surges following their deaths this week, driven by a wave of online tributes and speculative trading. A Wrapped Ethereum (wETH) token named Hulkmanaia (HULK), created just eight hours before the price spike, rose over 122,000% to trade at 0.001335, while a Solana-based token called The Mad Man (OZZY) gained 16,800% to reach $0.003851 and a $3.85 million market cap. These tokens, however, are not endorsed by the estates of either figure, and multiple projects have already collapsed into rug pulls [1].

Hogan, 71, died on Thursday after cardiac arrest, while Osbourne, 76, passed away earlier this week. Both were cultural icons: Hogan dominated 1980s wrestling, while Osbourne, known as the “Prince of Darkness,” helped define heavy metal as the frontman of Black Sabbath, a band estimated to have sold 75 million albums globally. The emotional response to their deaths fueled a surge in fan activity, including purchases of NFTs like Osbourne’s CryptoBatz collection and a renewed interest in legacy memecoins such as HULKAMANIA (HULK), which saw a 2,000% spike in 24 hours to trade at $0.0006146. This token previously reached a $18.8 million peak after unverified posts on Hogan’s X account, later deleted, promoted it [1].

The phenomenon is not unique. Memecoins exploiting the names of other deceased public figures, such as OJ Simpson and Henry Kissinger, have historically followed similar trajectories. Analysts describe these projects as inherently volatile, driven by social media hype rather than fundamental value. “These tokens capitalize on sentiment but rarely offer long-term viability,” one observer noted, highlighting risks like rug pulls and low liquidity. The lack of regulatory oversight exacerbates vulnerabilities, as developers often exit after inflating prices [1].

Despite the risks, traders continue to participate, citing the emotional resonance of cultural icons as a catalyst for FOMO (fear of missing out). However, the same sentiment can swiftly turn to disillusionment, leaving investors with losses. The surge underscores a broader trend in crypto: the commodification of public mourning for profit. While tributes to Hogan and Osbourne focused on their legacies, the market’s response revealed a darker side of digital finance, where cultural capital is monetized through speculative schemes [1].

Source: [1] [Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne Memecoins Surge as Tributes Roll In Over Icons’ Deaths] [https://cointelegraph.com/news/hulk-hogan-ozzy-osbourne-memecoins-surge-death]