Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend who body-slammed his means into international stardom has died on the age of 71. Finest identified for turning skilled wrestling right into a mainstream spectacle within the Nineteen Eighties, Hogan’s dying has sparked an outpouring of tributes from followers, fellow wrestlers, Hollywood stars, and political leaders—together with former President Donald Trump, who referred to as him “a terrific buddy” and “MAGA all the best way.”
Within the wake of Hulk Hogan’s dying at age 71, President Donald Trump led a refrain of tributes, calling the wrestling icon a “nice buddy” and “MAGA all the best way.”
“We misplaced a terrific buddy right this moment, the ‘Hulkster,’” Trump wrote on Fact Social.
“Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the best way — robust, powerful, sensible, however with the largest coronary heart… He gave a completely electrical speech on the Republican Nationwide Conference, that was one of many highlights of the whole week.”
Trump concluded his submit with heartfelt condolences: “To his spouse, Sky, and household, we give our warmest finest needs and love… Hulk Hogan will likely be significantly missed!”
Vice President Vance: “The subsequent time must be on the opposite aspect”
Vice President JD Vance shared a private reminiscence of Hogan, saying the wrestling legend was amongst his earliest heroes.
“One of many first individuals I ever really admired as a child,” Vance posted on X.
“The final time I noticed him we promised we’d get beers collectively subsequent time we noticed one another. The subsequent time must be on the opposite aspect, my buddy! Relaxation in peace.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: “The Legend of Hulkamania will run wild perpetually”
Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who represents Hogan’s district (FL-13), shared a video of his fiery shirt-ripping speech on the 2024 Republican Nationwide Conference.
“RIP to the good Hulk Hogan, who lived proper right here in FL-13,” she mentioned.
“Gone, however the legend of Hulkamania will run wild perpetually.”
Home Speaker Mike Johnson: “An enormous in stature and in life”
Home Speaker Mike Johnson recalled each childhood reminiscences and up to date marketing campaign moments with Hogan.
“From my childhood within the ’80s, to campaigning with him final yr, I at all times noticed him as a large in stature and in life,” Johnson wrote.
Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth: Easy tribute with a flag
Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth shared an previous photograph of Hogan proudly waving an American flag within the wrestling ring. His message was easy: “RIP.”
Trump Jr., Stefanik, others share conference images
Donald Trump Jr. shared a selfie with Hogan, writing: “R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN.”
Different Republicans, together with Reps. Elise Stefanik and Anna Paulina Luna, posted photographs of Hogan’s dramatic look on the 2024 RNC, the place he tore off his shirt and declared: “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!”
Stallone displays on “sensible persona” from Rocky III
Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone additionally paid tribute to Hogan, who portrayed Thunderlips in Rocky III.
“I had the pleasure of assembly this sensible persona and showman when he was 26 years previous,” Stallone wrote on Instagram, alongside a classic photograph of the 2 within the ring.
“He was completely great and his wonderful ability made Rocky III extremely particular. My coronary heart breaks.”
Finish of an Period
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, turned probably the most recognizable figures in wrestling and American popular culture. His dying has despatched waves throughout the political, leisure, and sports activities worlds — a mirrored image of his unmatched legacy that prolonged far past the ring.
Hulk Hogan dies at 71; Cardiac arrest suspected
Professional wrestling icon and popular culture fixture helped convey WWE to international prominence
WWE legend Hulk Hogan has died on the age of 71, reportedly following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida, house on Thursday morning. Whereas an official reason for dying has not but been confirmed, TMZ studies that medics responded to a cardiac emergency.
Wrestling celebrity and cultural icon
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan turned the face {of professional} wrestling throughout its explosive progress within the Nineteen Eighties. Along with his signature handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow ring gear, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” he transcended sports activities leisure to grow to be a family title.
Hogan headlined eight WrestleManias and gained six WWE Championships. He was central to WWE’s international rise, serving to flip the corporate — and the game — right into a multibillion-dollar leisure juggernaut.
Past the ring
Outdoors the ring, Hogan constructed a wide-reaching profession in movie, tv, and actuality programming. He starred in a number of motion pictures and was the main target of the truth present Hogan Is aware of Finest, which aired within the mid-2000s. His larger-than-life persona made him probably the most recognizable celebrities of the late twentieth century.
Extra just lately, Hogan made headlines for his help of Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election marketing campaign. He appeared on the Republican Nationwide Conference as a part of efforts to rally voters.
Hogan is survived by his spouse Sky, ex-wife Linda, and his two kids, Brooke and Nick.
WWE launched an announcement calling Hogan “probably the most influential and beloved figures within the historical past of wrestling,” noting that “his legacy will reside on within the hearts of followers throughout generations.”