FORMER WWE chief Vince McMahon, wrestling icon The Undertaker, and President Donald Trump, among others, have given their reactions to the death of the legendary Hulk Hogan.
The late great pro wrestling 12-time world champion and TV personality Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died Thursday of cardiac arrest.
AFPWWE legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71[/caption]
Former WWE chairman Vince McMahon shared a message on Hogan’s death
Hogan died just a month after rumors circulated about his ailing health, including one that he was on his “deathbed.”
The 71-year-old died after police and emergency medical personnel were called to his Florida home on Thursday, TMZ first reported.
Hogan was an integral part in shaping WWE and the wrestling world, thanks to singlehandedly carrying the sport in the 1980s.
Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon shared a rare public statement as he commented on Hogan’s death.
“The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world,” McMahon wrote.
“He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.
“His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled – and made him the consummate performer,” McMahon continued.
“He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.”
McMahon then closed with Hogan’s catchphrase.
“He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, ‘Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.’
“Today, we pray for him.”
McMahon and Hogan had numerous fallouts over the years.
The wrestler testified in McMahon’s steroid trial in the 1990s, which led to the two not speaking to one another.
Hogan then signed with WCW and didn’t return until 2002 after the company cratered.
Getty Images – GettyHogan in the ring as Ric Flair stands over him[/caption]
The pair would repair and damage their relationship on numerous occasions before Hogan was eventually brought back.
But McMahon exited the company for good in 2024 due to pending litigation from former WWE employee Janel Grant.
Several wrestlers paid tribute to Hogan, including one from The Undertaker.
“The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable, and for that, I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan,” the 60-year-old wrote on X.
The Undertaker shared a message on Hogan’s passingSplash
WWE icon Rick Flair, one of Hogan’s biggest wrestling rivals, praised his late, great friend while reflecting on his brush with death.
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!” Flair wrote on X.
“Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business.
“An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me.
Hogan helped shape the wrestling world and WWE, previously the WWF, in the 1980sGetty Images – Getty
“He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be.
“He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside.
“. … Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You!
“Rest In Peace My Friend!”
hulkhogan/InstagramHogan and Trump posing together at last July’s RNC[/caption]
President Trump paid tribute to his late friend in a statement on Truth Social.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,” the president said about Hogan’s death.
“Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.
“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week.
APHogan tore off his shirt, which revealed a Trump-JD Vance tank top at the RNC just a week after the former and future president was shot during an assassination attempt[/caption]
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive.
“To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
The WWE confirmed Hogan’s death in a statement, “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.
Police statement on Hulk Hogan’s death
Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach. The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
A media briefing will be at 1:30 p.m. at Clearwater Police Department headquarters, 645 Pierce St. Some parking is available east of the building; additional parking is in the old fire station parking lot just west of police headquarters.
The briefing is being held at the police department in an attempt to protect the privacy of the family. Any media compelled to respond to the scene should park in the rear of the Carlouel Yacht Club, 1091 Eldorado Ave. The staging area is located at Eldorado and Bay Esplanade.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hulk’s family shared a statement on the death, “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend,
Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.
“At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends.
“May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades.
“He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Hogan is survived by his 46-year-old wife, Sky, and his daughter, Brooke, and son, Nick.
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