Tributes Pour in for Hulk Hogan

Tributes are pouring in for legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan who has died at 71. The flamboyant superstar who dominated the sport in the 1980s and 90s, was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities say first responders rushed to Hogan’s Florida home around 10:00 AM local time after receiving a cardiac arrest call.

The wrestling icon, whose real name was Terry Bollea, became the face of professional wrestling during its national boom with his signature red-and-yellow outfits, bulging muscles, and “Real American” entrance theme. His epic matches against Andre the Giant and Randy Savage at WrestleMania events drew record crowds and pay-per-view audiences.

Controversy and Comeback
Hogan’s career saw turbulence in 2015 when he was removed from WWE programming after a racist rant was leaked. He later apologized and was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.

Celebrity Tributes Pour In
“An American pop culture fixture who transcended wrestling,” tweeted Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called him “a Florida legend,” while actor Sylvester Stallone remembered his “titanic charisma.”

Sylvester Stallone, who starred alongside Hogan in the 1982 blockbuster Rocky III, shared an emotional tribute: “Terry was absolutely wonderful, and his amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special. He brought an authenticity and power to Thunderlips that only he could deliver.” Hogan’s memorable performance as the villainous wrestler in the film helped catapult him to mainstream fame beyond the wrestling world.

From the political sphere, former U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed his condolences, calling Hogan “MAGA all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.” The two had been friends for decades, with Hogan making appearances at Trump’s wrestling events and political rallies over the years.

WWE took to their X handle to eulogize the star who brought much world acclaim to wrestling. It said, “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. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

On his part, wrestling superstar Triple H wrote, “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.”

Hogan is survived by his two children. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.