Hulk Hogan dies at 71: Wrestling stars, celebrities and more react
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Hulk Hogan dies at 71: Tributes pour in for WWE legend — follow live updates
Police in Clearwater, Florida, say they found Hogan unresponsive at his home. The wrestling legend was treated before being brought to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. President Trump described Hogan as “a great friend” and “MAGA all the way” Vince McMahon, the cofounder and former CEO of WWE, called Hogan “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME”
Police in Clearwater, Fla., said on Thursday that they were dispatched to his home and found him unresponsive. The wrestling legend was treated before being brought to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hogan’s death was confirmed in a post on his Instagram page: “At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends,” the post read. “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.”
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“He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan gained fame as a member of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and was known for dramatically ripping off his shirt as he entered the ring.
Tributes have been pouring in following Hogan’s death. Referring to him as the “Hulkster,” President Trump described Hogan as “a great friend” and “MAGA all the way.” Vince McMahon, the cofounder and former CEO of WWE, called Hogan “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME.”
Follow the blog below for the latest updates and reactions to Hogan’s death.
Celebrities, wrestling stars and more react to Hulk Hogan’s death at 71
Hulk Hogan, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion, died Thursday. WWE called Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” WWE Champ John Layfield: “Hulk was always so nice to me and was the one celebrity that wanted to see all the kids I brought over from Bermuda” House Speaker Mike Johnson: “From my childhood in the ’80s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life” Mario Lopez: Hogan “grew up like a true Hulkamaniac” and was “truly starstruck” when he finally got to meet the wrestler. “Rest easy, Hulk,” Brooke Shields wrote in a post about the wrestler’s death on Instagram. “I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old,” Sylvester Stallone wrote. “He was absolutely wonderful and made his three kids incredibly special,” former “Saved by the Bell” host Mario Lopez said.
Stars across the wrestling world are remembering Hulk Hogan following his death at the age of 71.
The two-time WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died Thursday, according to Clearwater, Florida, police and WWE.
Following Hogan’s death, celebrities and wrestling world figures began sharing tributes to him on social media.
In a statement, WWE called Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” and said he “helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
The company also extended its condolences to Hogan’s “family, friends, and fans.”
Retired professional wrestler Ric Flair took to social media Thursday, writing, “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business.”
FILE – World Wrestling Federation heavyweight champion Hulk Hogan, left, and Mr. T. appear at a news conference on Sunday, March 18, 1985, in New York’s Madison Square Garden. AP Photo/Corey Struller
He added, “An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. 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. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend! .”
Flair’s daughter, American professional wrestler Charlotte Flair, shared a tribute to Hogan on X, stating that he was there for her when she “nearly lost my dad 8 years ago.”
“One of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan,” she wrote, adding that her “heart breaks” for Hogan’s son and daughter, Nick Hogan and Brooke Hogan.
WWE Champ John Layfield also shared a memory of Hogan on X, writing that Hogan was “one of the reasons I got into wrestling.”
Hulk Hogan attends the NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment 2015 Upfront at The Jacob Javits Center on May 14, 2015, in New York. Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File
“Hulk was always so nice to me and was the one celebrity that wanted to see all the kids I brought over from Bermuda,” Layfield added. “RIP legend. There will never be another. Hulkamania never dies.”
On X, House Speaker Mike Johnson shared a photo of himself with Hogan, now-Education Secretary Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump on the campaign trail last year.
Hogan notably gave a speech in support of Trump on the final night of the Republican National Convention last year.
“We all have fond memories of Hulk Hogan,” Johnson wrote. “From my childhood in the ’80s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life. May he rest in peace.”
Donald Trump Jr. also took to X with a photo of Hogan and wrote, “R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN.”
Hulk Hogan attends a New Era In Florida Gaming Event at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on December 08, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
Hogan’s friends across Hollywood also paid tribute to him following his death. Throughout his career, the wrestler had made several television appearances, including appearing on the sitcom “Suddenly Susan” alongside Brooke Shields.
Shields shared a post about Hogan to Instagram on Thursday, along with a photo of her, Hogan and Kathy Griffin.
“Rest easy, Hulk,” she wrote in the caption. “This moment and his entire guest episode on ‘Suddenly Susan’ was a true highlight. Sending love to all of his loved ones today .”
In 1982, Hogan appeared alongside Sylvester Stallone in “Rocky III” as the wrestling champion Thunderlips.
Stallone wrote on Instagram, “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 three incredibly special.”
“My heart breaks,” he added.
Former “Saved by the Bell” star and TV host Mario Lopez shared an Instagram post Thursday, recounting the moment he and his kids met Hogan in person. Lopez wrote that he “grew up running wild like a true Hulkamaniac” and was “truly starstruck” when he finally got to meet the wrestler.
“Hearing about Hulk Hogan’s passing hits deep — feels like a piece of my childhood is gone,” he wrote. “The bandana, the flex, the leg drop, the larger-than-life energy he was the superhero for so many of us. Rest easy brother… Forever a legend.”
Wrestlers and Celebrities React to Hulk Hogan’s Death: Ric Flair and More
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan died on Thursday, July 24, at age 71. He suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Hogan joined WWE, then known as WWF, in 1979, and headlined eight of the first nine editions of WrestleMania. He retired from professional wrestling in 2012 and was making moves in his professional career just three days before his death. He was best known for his roles on The Cosby Show, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Eddie and The Resident, and Hulk Hogan and Ozzy Osbourne’s reality show, Hogan’S House of Horrors. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Brooke Hogan, and his son, Reid, who died of a drug overdose in 2013 at age 25. He leaves behind a daughter, Charlotte Flair, a daughter-in-law, and a son, Nick Hogan, who is also a professional wrestler. He also leaves behind his daughter, Brooke, and son Reid.
Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the Clearwater Police Department. TMZ was first to report the news of his death, and the family has since confirmed it to Us Weekly.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” WWE said in a statement. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan joined WWE, then known as WWF, in 1979, and headlined eight of the first nine editions of WrestleMania. As professional wrestling’s popularity boomed throughout the 1980s, he became one of the faces of the sport until his retirement in 2012.
Related: Hulk Hogan Through the Years: From Wrestling to His Film Career Hulk Hogan has had several ups and downs throughout the years before his death in July 2025. Hogan (real name Terry Gene Bollea) was born in August 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, and began his professional wrestling career in 1977. After joining the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1983, Hogan skyrocketed to fame and became […]
Keep scrolling for more reactions to his death:
Ric Flair
Known as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all-time, Flair took to X to share his memories with Hogan.
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!” he wrote. “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. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be.”
He added that Hogan visited him in the hospital when he had surgery to remove a bowel obstruction that presented life-threatening complications in 2017, and that Hogan lent him money when his son, Reid, was sick. Reid died of a drug overdose in 2013 at age 25.
“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,” wrote Flair, 76. “Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend! 🙏🏻”
Related: Hulk Hogan Signed New Wrestling Broadcast Deal 3 Days Before His Death Hulk Hogan was making moves in his professional career just three days before his death. Us Weekly confirmed on Thursday, July 24, that Hogan died at age 71. Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, according to the Clearwater Police Department, and he was transported to a local hospital where he […]
Charlotte Flair
Ric’s daughter Charlotte, a professional wrestler herself, shared similar memories.
“When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan,” she wrote via X. “My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.”
Lee Greenwood
The country music singer shared his heartfelt condolences in a statement via X.
“Our hearts are with the Hogan family, the millions of fans, and friends across the world as we mourn this heartbreaking loss,” he wrote.
J.D. Vance
The current Vice President grew up idolizing Hogan and later became friends with him as Hogan became more involved in Republican politics.
“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” Vance, 40, wrote via X. “One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”
Related: Stars Mourn Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Ozzy and Hulk Hogan After Tragic 4 Days It’s been a tragic four days for Hollywood, with three stars across several different parts of the entertainment industry dying unexpectedly. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for roles on The Cosby Show, Malcolm & Eddie and The Resident, died on July 20 at the age of 54 while swimming in the Costa Rican ocean with his […]
Sgt. Slaughter
An actor and professional wrestler, Slaughter rose to fame at the same time as Hogan. He remembered his longtime rival in a post via X.
“Saddened To Hear About The Passing of Hulk Hogan,” he wrote. “I Guess God Needed An Incredible Angel😇R.I.P.🙏🏻My Friend❤️”
Triple H
Triple H credited Hogan with being one of the “larger than life characters” who made professional wrestling what it is today.
“He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world,” he explained via X.
“There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fans,” Triple H added.
Related: WWE’s Titus O’Neil Reacts to Vince McMahon Doc: ‘Don’t Have Any Bad Words’ WWE’s Titus O’Neil has no problem expressing his gratitude for Vince McMahon following the release of Netflix’s docu series about the scandal-ridden former CEO. O’Neil — who now works as a global ambassador for WWE after a lengthy in-ring career with the company — recently started watching Netflix’s six-part series Mr. McMahon, which premiered September […]
Sting
Former professional wrestler Sting posted a picture of him and Hogan shaking hands in the ring to X, writing, “HULK HOGAN – THE GREATEST OF ALL. Can’t thank you enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans all over the world. I loved you and I will miss you.”
“My friend, Terry Bollea, RIP,” he concluded.
Donald Trump Jr.
The son of President Donald Trump shared his condolences alongside a selfie with Hogan that he took at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
“R.I.P to a legend. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 HULK HOGAN,” he wrote, adding in a subsequent post, “Hulk Hogan was a real American icon and I’ll never forget his speech in support of my father at the Republican National Convention. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸.”
Bret Baier
The journalist and Fox News host wrote via X, “RIP to a true legend @HulkHogan.”
Related: WWE Superstar Michael ‘Virgil’ Jones Dead at 61 YouTube Former WWE superstar Michael Jones, known as Virgil in the ring, died on Wednesday, February 28. He was 61. Wrestling referee Mark Charles III, a.k.a. The Count, announced Jones’ passing via Facebook, writing, “My dear friends, it is with great sorrow that I bring news from the Jones family of the passing of our […]
Vix Crow
Crow, also a veteran pro wrestler, shared a pair of photos with Hogan, writing via X, “R.I.P GOOD UNCLE.”
John Layfield
The former pro wrestler and football player remembered Hogan as fan-friendly and generous with his time, taking the opportunity to visit with the kids Layfield, 58, brought to the United States as part of his charitable work in his current home of Bermuda.
“One of the reasons I got into wrestling. Hulk was always so nice to me and was the one celebrity that wanted to see all the kids I brought over from Bermuda,” he wrote via X. “RIP legend. There will never be another. Hulkamania never dies.”
American wrestling star Hulk Hogan dies aged 71
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was a leading figure in wrestling during the 1980s and won six WWE Championships. He faced names including Andre the Giant and Randy Savage and enjoyed a career in the media, featuring in films and television shows.Clearwater police department in Florida said officers and fire crews responded to a “medical-related call’ shortly before 10am on Thursday. His death was confirmed by the WWE, who posted a statement on X saying: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.” There are “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity”, Major Nate Burnside said. His last WWE match was against Randy Orton at SummerSlam in 2006.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was a leading figure in wrestling during the 1980s and won six WWE Championships.
He faced names including Andre the Giant and Randy Savage and enjoyed a career in the media, featuring in films and television shows.
Clearwater police department in Florida said officers and fire crews responded to a “medical-related call” shortly before 10am on Thursday.
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The WWE star was found “experiencing a serious medical-related issue” in a house on Eldorado Avenue and he was taken to Morton Plant Hospital.
Hogan died at 11.17am in hospital and there are “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity”, Major Nate Burnside said.
His death was confirmed by the WWE, who posted a statement on X saying: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
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Hogan headlined the first Wrestlemania in 1985 and faced The Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson, during the event in 2002. His last WWE match was against Randy Orton at SummerSlam in 2006.
Hogan’s friend and fellow former professional wrestler Ric Flair wrote on X: “I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan! Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business.
“An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!”
Hulkamania was coined in the mid-1980s, as he pushed professional wrestling into the mainstream.
He was known for his large muscles, with arms he called his 24-inch pythons, along with his bright blond hair and handlebar moustache.
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Triple H said: “WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring… and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea.”
The former professional wrestler, whose real name is Paul Michael Levesque, described Hogan as “the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish”.
His look “made him recognisable to fans around the world” and “was simply put, iconic”, said the now-chief content officer at WWE.
Triple H, 55, added: “As a Real American or the leader of one of the industry’s biggest factions, he transcended and elevated the entire business to heights never before seen – in every country and on every continent.
“There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
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Major Burnside said: “Our personnel is providing the family with the necessary resources. I’m strongly encouraging everyone to keep the family in their thoughts and respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Police are “conducting a death investigation, which is standard in these types of cases”, he added.
Pro wrestlers and celebrities react to death of Hulk Hogan including Ric Flair, Donald Trump, and Paul Levesque
The pro wrestling world is reacting to the death of Hulk Hogan. Hogan died this morning at age 71 in his home in Florida. The following are statements made on social media, primarily Twitter/X, today. The Miz: Hulk Hogan was someone I looked up to; a larger-than-life presence. The Undertaker: “The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable” Paul Levesque: “WWE would not be where it is today without the larger- than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea. He was the archetype of what it meant to be a “Superstar” – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world’s. Donald Trump: “Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
The pro wrestling world is reacting to the death of Hulk Hogan. Hogan died this morning at age 71 in his home in Florida. The following are statements made on social media, primarily Twitter/X, today:
Ric Flair:
I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! 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. 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. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!
Paul Levesque:
WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea.
He was the archetype of what it meant to be a “Superstar” – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world.
Hulk Hogan, clad in red and yellow or nWo black and white, was simply put, iconic. As a Real American or the leader of one of the industry’s biggest factions, he transcended and elevated the entire business to heights never before seen – in every country and on every continent.
There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
Sting:
Can’t thank you enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans all over the world. I loved you and I will miss you.
My friend, Terry Bollea, RIP
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.
Glen Jacobs:
Hulk Hogan was a true legend. I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I’d practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up.
Kurt Angle:
R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the business including myself. There would not be a Kurt Angle, without the American Made, Hulk Hogan. My heart and prayers go out to his family. We lost a real icon today.
The Miz:
When I was a kid I ate my vitamins, said my prayers because Hulk Hogan told me to. He was someone I looked up to; a larger-than-life presence I copied constantly growing up. The voice, flexing, charisma, he made you want to be bold, loud, confident.
RIP, Hulk Hogan.
Donald Trump:
We lost a great friend today, the “Hulkster” 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. 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!
Matt Hardy:
RIP Hulk Hogan
Terry Bollea was the first mainstream megastar in pro wrestling. He was the face of sports entertainment & elevated pro wrestling to a whole new level. I had the opportunity to work with Hulkster a few times over the years & enjoyed my interactions with him. My thoughts & condolences are with his family, friends & fans, especially his children.
Brutus Beefcake:
Through the good times and the bad, I always loved my brother Terry! I am devastated by the loss of my friend, I only wish we had time to mend our broken friendship before his passing. Until I see you Brother, in the big squared circle in the sky! I love you #hulkhogan #RIP
Matt Cardona:
If it wasn’t for Hulk Hogan, I don’t know if I’d be a pro wrestler or even a pro wrestling fan. RIP Hulkster. Hulkamania will live FOREVER!!!
Sgt. Slaughter:
Saddened To Hear About The Passing of Hulk Hogan…I Guess God Needed An Incredible AngelR.I.P.My Friend❤️
Georges St. Pierre:
They say you should never meet your idols, but meeting Hulk Hogan made me admire him even more. He was so generous with his time and an inspiration not only as an athlete and entertainer, but also as a human being. He will be missed by us all. RIP Hulk Hogan.