Clearwater (Florida) [US], July 24 : The world of professional wrestling has lost one of its biggest icons. Hulk Hogan, the headscarf-wearing superstar with a unique moustache who defined an era of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), passed away at the age of 71, Florida police and WWE confirmed on Thursday, according to ESPN.
Hulk Hogan had a cardiac arrest on Thursday morning in Clearwater, Florida, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
His real name was Terry Bollea. He was the face of WWE's early global success and headlined the very first WrestleMania in 1985. From memorable feuds with Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to sharing the ring with The Rock and even then WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, Hogan was always at the centre of the action.
Over the years, Hogan won at least six WWE championships and was rightfully inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
WWE shared a heartfelt message on X paying tribute to the legend,
"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."
https://x.com/WWE/status/1948414335153230023
The wrestling fraternity has been pouring out their tributes since the news broke, and one of the most emotional messages came from his longtime friend and rival, 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!"
https://x.com/RicFlairNatrBoy/status/1948413927324307942
WWE superstar Charlotte Flair also remembered Hogan's support during one of the toughest moments in her life.
"When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan.
My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke.
Rest in peace, brother."
https://x.com/MsCharlotteWWE/status/1948412733377904920
John Cena, another WWE legend, paid tribute by sharing an iconic photo from WrestleMania 3, a moment etched in wrestling history, where Hogan bodyslammed the 500-plus pound Andre the Giant in front of a roaring crowd.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMf3sANOvg1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
With his charisma, iconic catchphrases, and unmatched presence, Hulk Hogan helped turn professional wrestling into a global spectacle. For fans across generations, he wasn't just a performer, he was larger than life.
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