Edward Verchot – Page 5

Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71

One of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71.

WWE confirmed the news Thursday, sharing that Hogan — born Terry Bollea — passed away in Clearwater, Florida. According to TMZ, medics responded to a cardiac arrest call at his home, and he was transported by ambulance.

Hogan was more than just a pro wrestler — he was the wrestler who turned the then-WWF into a global phenomenon in the 1980s. With his larger-than-life personality, signature mustache, and unforgettable catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!,” Hogan brought wrestling into the mainstream.

He wasn’t just a ring performer. He was pop culture.

The WWE released a tribute on social media, 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.”

At his peak, Hogan was everywhere — from cereal boxes to Saturday morning cartoons. WrestleMania wouldn’t be what it is today without him. He headlined the very first one in 1985, teaming up with Mr. T to take down Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.

And then he bodyslammed Andre the Giant in front of 93,000 fans at WrestleMania III — one of the most famous moments in wrestling history.

But Hogan’s later years were marred by scandal. A leaked sex tape in 2012, filmed without his knowledge, ignited a legal battle that eventually bankrupted Gawker. Then in 2015, audio from that same tape surfaced, revealing Hogan using racial slurs—fallout that deeply damaged his public image and led to a temporary exile from WWE.

In recent years, Hogan battled several health issues. TMZ reported a neck surgery in May, and US Weekly noted he underwent a “pretty serious” heart procedure in 2024.

Hogan was married three times and had two children, Brooke and Nick, with his first wife, Linda. He remarried in 2010 (to Jennifer McDaniel), divorced again in 2022, and tied the knot once more in 2023 with Sky Daily.

His final WWE appearance came in January 2025, during the Netflix debut of Monday Night Raw.

From body slams to red-and-yellow bandanas, Hulk Hogan’s influence stretched far beyond the squared circle. He was, simply, the face of an era.

Rest in peace, Hulkster.

Heat Wave Google Searches Reveal What’s Really On Our Minds When It’s Hot AF

With yet another heat dome smothering much of the U.S. this week, it’s no surprise that Americans are frantically Googling their way through the sweat. Google Trends dug into our collective panic and revealed the top heat-related questions we’ve been asking lately—and they’re exactly what you’d expect from a nation slowly turning into a baked potato.

Here are the five most-Googled heat wave questions from the past month:

1. What temperature is considered extreme heat?

It depends on where you live. In Phoenix, 95 degrees might be your average Tuesday. In Seattle, it’s a heat emergency. There’s no universal number—local health officials decide based on regional norms and how likely the temperature is to pose a health risk.

2. Why does extreme heat make you so tired?

Turns out your body’s working overtime just trying to stay cool. Dehydration is a major culprit too. Add in crummy sleep from tossing and turning in the heat, and it’s no wonder you’re dragging through the day like a wilted houseplant.

3. How do you prepare your body for extreme heat?

Hydration is key. Start hydrated and keep it going with plenty of fluids. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes also help. Bonus points if your outfit says, “I’m melting, but fashion still matters.”

4. Does hot weather affect type 2 diabetes?

Yes, and it’s a double whammy. People with diabetes are more prone to dehydration, which can raise blood sugar. That leads to more peeing, which leads to more dehydration. Heat can also mess with insulin, so it’s important to check your blood sugar more frequently in high temps.

5. Is hot weather bad for pregnancy?

Definitely. Pregnant people already have a tougher time regulating body temperature and staying hydrated. That puts them at higher risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In other words: growing a human in a heat wave is next-level hardcore.

Bonus Googled Curiosity:

“What are visible heat waves called?” You know those wiggly lines that hover over hot pavement? They’re typically called heat haze or heat shimmer. And that mirage in the distance that looks like a lake? It’s just your brain playing tricks on you.

So if you’re melting this week, just know you’re not alone—and that millions of other sweaty souls are also turning to Google for answers and a little peace of mind. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and maybe don’t wear jeans.

Palms Casino Opens World’s First “Uno Social Club”

If you’ve ever hit someone with a Draw Four and felt way too proud of yourself, your moment has arrived.

Las Vegas is now home to the world’s first-ever Uno Social Club, and yes—it’s exactly what it sounds like: a full-on, glamified hangout spot dedicated to the most cutthroat family card game of all time. The pop-up experience, which just opened inside the Palms Casino Resort, is the first of its kind from Mattel and brings Uno fans a place to play, party, and probably yell “REVERSE!” way too aggressively.

According to Mattel, this is just the start. More Uno Social Club locations are expected to pop up around the country later this year, so keep those Skip cards handy.

This isn’t some dusty card table setup in the corner of the casino, either. The temporary venue is decked out with Uno-themed décor, and comes with extras like bowling, billiards, themed cocktails, and snacks. Think less “poker night with your uncle” and more “influencer-ready game lounge with neon vibes.”

But don’t expect to walk up and start betting rent money on a Reverse card.

While it’s hosted at a casino, the Uno Social Club is purely social. It’s not on the casino floor, and there’s no gambling involved—at least not yet.

For now, the goal seems to be more about community, cocktails, and TikTok clout than cold, hard cash.

Uno was first released in 1971 and has always had its chaotic charm. Whether you grew up arguing over house rules or mastered the art of saving a Wild Draw Four for just the right moment, the game has remained a staple in game nights and family road trips for over 50 years. So turning that chaos into an Instagrammable Las Vegas experience? Honestly, kind of genius.

No word on how long the Palms’ Uno Social Club will be sticking around, but if you’re a diehard fan of Skip cards, color changes, and friendly sabotage, this might be your version of hitting the jackpot.

The Most (and Least) Offensive Swear Words

If your vocabulary features at least one spicy four-letter word a day, you’re definitely not alone. A new survey found that 39% of Americans admit they can’t get through the day without swearing at least once. That includes a solid 25% who drop expletives daily—like it’s part of their morning routine. Meanwhile, 12% claim they never swear at all (and we’d really like to hear what their road rage sounds like).

The poll took a deep dive into when, where, and how we swear—and which curse words are still considered “too far.” Turns out, there’s a time and a place for everything… even profanity.

Swearing Is Totally Fine (Sometimes)
The top five moments Americans think it’s perfectly acceptable to unleash a few choice words:

When you’re alone
After you’ve hurt yourself
Hanging out with friends
Watching sports
Posting on social media

Basically, if you stub your toe while hanging out with your friends, you’re in the clear. But don’t go tossing F-bombs everywhere.

The top places swearing is not okay? Church, in front of kids, in front of a client, at store employees, or in front of your boss. So maybe save the colorful language until after your performance review.

The Most Offensive Swear Word Is . . . ?
The survey also asked people to rate 40 swear words by how offensive they are—and the results might not surprise you.

Most offensive:

The C-word (81% find it offensive)
“Motherf—–” (71%)
The B-word (66%)
The F-word (65%)
The P-word (62%)

Even relatively tame exclamations aren’t safe: 5% of people are offended by “gosh,” 6% by “heck,” and 8% by “darn.”

The Swear Words We Actually Use the Most
The top three go-to curse words in America are:

Damn
The S-word
The F-word

In other words, we might find certain words deeply offensive, but that doesn’t mean we’re not saying them—especially when traffic is bad or our favorite team blows a big lead.

Blake Shelton’s Legs Are So White, They’re Translucent

When you think of Blake Shelton, you might picture cowboy boots, country music, and… jeans. Always jeans. Turns out, that last one is non-negotiable—even if he’s standing on a beach.

In a recent chat with CMT, Blake made it clear he’s not exactly the boardshorts-and-sunscreen type. Asked whether he ever hits the beach, Blake didn’t hesitate: “My legs, they’re not just white, they’re translucent!”

Apparently, Shelton has avoided the sun for so long, shorts aren’t even in the conversation anymore.

Whether he’s coaching on The Voice or working his Oklahoma land, he’s sticking with his denim and boots. Because when you’re this committed to cowboy fashion, SPF doesn’t stand a chance.

But his beach aversion isn’t the only way Blake keeps things simple. Don’t expect to catch him and Gwen Stefani waiting in line at Starbucks. Blake says their coffee preferences are a bit more down-home—too strong for them, and better made at home anyway.

Between his love of fast food drive-thrus (over fancy coffee), and a wardrobe that hasn’t changed since probably 1995, Blake is living proof that you can be a millionaire and still deeply allergic to trends.

Simple guy. Simple tastes. Ghostly legs.

Pack Your Bags—These Places Will Pay You to Move There

If you’re dreaming of a fresh start and a little extra cash in your pocket, some U.S. cities and states are literally paying people to move there. These “get-paid-to-relocate” programs are designed to attract remote workers. And yes, they’re real.

To qualify, you usually need to be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, working remotely for a company based outside the state you’re relocating to, and ready to move within a certain timeframe.

So where can you land cash just for packing up and heading out? Here are some of the most generous relocation incentives available right now:

1. West Virginia

West Virginia is rolling out the red carpet for remote workers with a $12,000 incentive. That includes an outdoor adventure package and access to a co-working space. The catch? You have to live in one of their select areas like Morgantown, Greenbrier Valley, or Greater Elkins. Not a bad trade if you like hiking and stunning mountain views.

2. Tulsa, Oklahoma

The “Tulsa Remote” program is offering $10,000 and a free co-working space membership—once you buy a qualifying home. Yes, they want commitment. Tulsa’s been doing this for a few years now, and it’s one of the most well-known programs in the U.S.

3. Topeka, Kansas

Topeka’s program gives you options: $10,000 to help cover rent during your first year, or up to $15,000 toward buying a home. This one’s all about making it easier to put down roots.

4. Baltimore, Maryland

Looking to be near the East Coast hustle but still score a deal? Baltimore offers up to $5,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance—but it’s a lottery. So you’ll need a little luck of the draw.

5. Ketchikan, Alaska

Remote work meets actual remote living. Ketchikan is dishing out $2,000 and three months of free internet. You might have to trade your sandals for snow boots, but you’ll get serious peace and quiet.

6. Newton, Iowa

Newton will give you $10,000—but only if you buy a house worth more than $240,000. So this one’s geared more toward folks already planning to make a major home investment.

Bottom line:

Each of these programs comes with its own fine print, deadlines, and eligibility quirks, so read carefully before you pack your bags. But if you’re remote, flexible, and open to adventure, there could be serious cash waiting for you, just for changing your address.

America’s Favorite Fourth of July Plan? Absolutely Nothing

If your big Fourth of July plans include sitting around doing as little as humanly possible, congratulations… you’re in good company.

According to a new poll, the number one thing Americans are looking forward to this weekend is doing nothing.

43% of people say their Independence Day plans involve kicking back at home, which officially makes chilling out the most American activity of all.

But not everyone’s embracing couch life. Here’s what else is on the agenda this Fourth of July:

35% are planning some quality time with family or heading to a family gathering.
33% will be attending a barbecue or picnic. (Is it even the Fourth without a hot dog and questionable potato salad?)
16% will catch a fireworks display—whether from a local park or the neighbor who always buys the illegal stuff from out of state.
10% say they’ll be setting off their own fireworks, which actually seems low. (We see you, backyard pyros.)
10% are heading to a formal Fourth of July event like a parade.
11% will be watching sports, possibly from a lawn chair.
5% plan to hit the beach.
4% will go camping or hiking.
2% are going fishing.
And a surprisingly relatable 10% answered “none of the above,” a.k.a. “zero plans, leave me alone.”

So whether you’re lighting up the grill, setting off fireworks, or just setting your phone to “Do Not Disturb,” it looks like there’s no wrong way to celebrate. Just don’t feel bad if your most ambitious goal this weekend is not putting on pants. That, apparently, is the true American dream.

Keith Urban Abruptly Ends Interview After Awkward Question About Nicole Kidman

Country music star Keith Urban pulled the plug on a radio interview in Australia after things got a little too personal.

Urban was chatting via Zoom with an Aussie morning show when one of the hosts decided to stir the pot with a spicy question about his wife, Nicole Kidman. Specifically, they asked how he felt watching her get sensual with Zac Efron in her new Netflix rom-com A Family Affair.

The question? “What does Keith Urban think when he sees his beautiful wife, with beautiful younger men like Zac Efron, having these beautiful love scenes on TV?”

Cue the sound of a mic dropping… followed by dead silence. Seconds later, the interview feed was cut. Whether it was Keith himself or someone on his team hitting the off switch, one thing was clear: that convo was over.

To be fair, it was a clunky question (three “beautifuls” is at least two too many), but the abrupt shutdown left the radio hosts stunned. One even joked afterward, “Does Keith Urban hate us now?”

Urban and Kidman have been married for nearly two decades—19 years and counting—which is practically a Hollywood miracle. So maybe he just wasn’t in the mood to publicly unpack his thoughts on his wife’s on-screen chemistry with Zac Efron. Fair enough.

Still, the moment went viral fast, with fans split between defending Keith’s right to keep things private and calling the shutdown a bit dramatic. Either way, one thing’s for sure: when you’re interviewing a celebrity, maybe don’t ask about their spouse’s love life with someone younger.

Who Needs Energy Drinks When You’ve Got Taser Roulette?

Jon Pardi’s Honkytonk Hollywood Tour is already bringing the high energy . . . but for some members of his crew, it’s also delivering a jolt of literal electricity.

Before each show, a few brave (or slightly unhinged?) team members have been play a game where the setup is simple: spin the bottle, and if it lands on you, get TASED. Yes, with an actual stun gun.

(Can we just go back to kissing please?)

Opening act Corey Kent recently spilled the beans, admitting he’s already been zapped in the chest at least six times on this tour.

Six! And somehow, he’s still able to sing and play guitar afterward.

“It’s so exhilarating,” Corey told The Boot, like someone who’s either found a new adrenaline high or temporarily lost all sense of self-preservation.

So far, Jon Pardi hasn’t joined in on the pre-show mayhem. But according to Corey, that invite is coming. Let’s just hope they don’t end up canceling a show because someone decided to taser the headliner.

The wild tradition, dubbed “Taser Roulette,” might sound like a recipe for disaster—but Corey insists it actually boosts the energy on stage.

Apparently, nothing gets you ready to perform like a jolt of voltage right before curtain.

Fans are torn between thinking it’s hilarious or totally bonkers. Either way, it’s not your average soundcheck routine. Jon is a smart man to avoid this madness so far.

Would you play taser roulette with your co-workers? Or are you more of a “coffee and chill” type before a big meeting?

Pepsi Once Had the Sixth Largest Navy in the World

Did you know that Pepsi, the soda company, once commanded the world’s sixth-largest navy? No, that’s not a typo.

This fizzy tale begins in 1972, when Pepsi became the first American consumer brand to break into the Soviet Union. Because the ruble wasn’t accepted internationally, a traditional payment setup was off the table. So instead, Pepsi bartered with the USSR—trading its cola for Stolichnaya vodka, which it could sell in the U.S.

Capitalism, meet vodka-fueled communism.

But things got complicated in 1989. After the U.S. slapped sanctions on Russian goods following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the vodka-for-Pepsi pipeline dried up. That’s when Pepsi’s CEO Donald Kendall found himself back in Moscow, trying to negotiate a new deal with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.

The USSR still couldn’t pay in cash, so they got creative. Wildly creative.

The Soviets offered Pepsi a bunch of military ships—17 submarines, a cruiser, a frigate, and a destroyer. The vessels were decommissioned and needed major repairs, but on paper, PepsiCo was briefly a maritime superpower.

For a short time, the soda company technically owned more naval hardware than some countries. Experts even say that, during this fleeting window, Pepsi possessed the sixth-largest navy in the world.

Of course, Pepsi had no plans to start patrolling the high seas with Mountain Dew torpedoes. They sold the ships for scrap metal to a Swedish company, pocketing about $3 million in the process.

So, the next time someone asks what your favorite soft drink is, just remember: Pepsi once had a fleet of submarines.