Hulk Hogan, known as a 'legend of the pro wrestling world' (real name Terry Bollea), passed away at the age of 71, prompting condolences from various figures across the United States.
The Clearwater Police Department in Florida received a report of a heart attack at 9:51 a.m. local time on the 24th and dispatched officers to Hogan's residence, where he was transported to a nearby hospital but ultimately died.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the organization representing professional wrestling in the United States, issued a statement saying, "Few names symbolize sports entertainment as much as Hulk Hogan," and added, "This massive icon played a central role in WWE's rise as a global entertainment leader from a regional level." It continued, "The 'Hulkster's' superhuman physique and irresistible charisma contributed to placing him at an unfathomable height in the realms of sports and entertainment."
WWE commemorated Hogan by mentioning his record of drawing 93,173 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan during WrestleMania III and his six WWE championships.
Former wrestling star Ric Flair noted in a post on X (formerly Twitter), "I was truly shocked to hear the news of my close friend Hulk Hogan's passing. Hulk has always been by my side since I entered the wrestling world; he was an incredible athlete, a talent, a friend, and a father. Our friendship meant the world to me."
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) also released a statement of condolence on the same day. The organization remarked, "We remember Hulk Hogan, the legendary wrestler and entertainer who brought professional wrestling into the mainstream," noting that he had been a SAG-AFTRA member since 1985 and shone in films like 'Rocky III,' 'The Secret Agent,' and 'The Man from Outer Space.'
Hollywood star Brooke Shields also posted a photo on Instagram of herself arm-wrestling with Hogan and wrote, "Rest easy, Hulk," adding that his guest appearance on 'Suddenly Susan' was a true highlight.
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, "He entertained fans around the world, and his cultural impact was enormous," expressing that Hulk Hogan would be greatly missed.
Last July, Hogan took the stage at the Republican National Convention ahead of the U.S. presidential election and shouted, "Let the Trump maniacs make America great again." He made headlines by tearing his black t-shirt with both hands to reveal a red shirt emblazoned with the name of President Trump.
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, also posted a photo with Hogan on Instagram and wrote, "From childhood in the '80s to campaigning with him last year, I have always seen him as a giant," offering his condolences.
Hogan is regarded as a key figure who transformed pro wrestling into a family-friendly entertainment sport in the mid-1980s. The public was captivated by his 'horseshoe-shaped mustache,' red and yellow attire, and his thick arms, famously known as '24-inch pythons.'
Jay Busbee, a reporter from Yahoo Sports, wrote in a tribute to Hogan that "Hulk Hogan was not just an American icon; he was America itself," stating, "It's almost impossible to explain how immense Hogan was in the 1980s. You can imagine the atmosphere if you picture Taylor Swift throwing her foes out of the ring during a concert." He added, "You may not have liked Hogan, and you might not have agreed with his actions or worldview inside or outside the ring, but there's no denying that this man was the archetype of Americana."