Fans remember showman who made wrestling mainstream
The death of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has stirred a wave of tributes from across the entertainment and sports worlds. Remembered for his magnetic charisma both inside the ring and beyond it, Hogan’s influence spanned more than four decades and left an indelible mark on professional wrestling.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, as reported by BBC. Emergency services were called to the scene, but he was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.
Hogan’s impact on wrestling was unmatched — his fame in the 1980s helped bring pro wrestling into the mainstream. At the height of his popularity, he became a household name, branching into film, music, reality television, and even launching a pasta-themed restaurant.
In later years, however, Hogan’s reputation took a hit after a leaked tape revealed him using racial slurs. WWE distanced itself from him for several years before ultimately reinstating him, though his final appearances were met with mixed reactions from fans.
Despite the controversy, Hogan remained a towering figure in wrestling culture until his death. On Thursday, fellow wrestlers, Hollywood stars and fans remembered him as a pioneer who helped shape the face of modern sports entertainment.
Tributes pour in
US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, calling the late wrestler a “great friend” and recalling his turn on the stage at last year’s RNC. “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way. Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” Trump posted. He continued: “He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. 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 White House’s official X account also posted a tribute to Hogan with a picture of President Trump and his statement. The caption stated, “Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed.
Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone, 78, shared a photo of himself with Hogan on Instagram, taken from their time filming Rocky III in 1982. Hogan appeared in the film as wrestler Thunderlips in one of his first major screen roles.
Stallone wrote: “I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old.
“He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special. My heart breaks [when] I think that he’s gone.”
Actor Brooke Shields, 59, also remembered Hogan with a photo of the two playfully wrestling on the set of Suddenly Susan, a sitcom that aired in the late 90s.
“Rest easy, Hulk,” she wrote. “This moment and his entire guest episode on Suddenly Susan was a true highlight. Sending love to all of his loved ones today.”
Wrestlers in mourning
Fellow wrestlers also took to social media to share their tributes.
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