2 months ago
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Tributes from the sports world are pouring in after hearing the news that Hulk Hogan, arguably the most iconic and popular performer in the history of professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71.
TMZ reported that first responders arrived at his home in Clearwater, Florida after receiving reports of a 'cardiac arrest'. He was taken out of his home on a stretcher and brought to an ambulance where he was transported to a hospital.
This came weeks after his wife, Sky, swatted aside rumors that Hogan was on his 'deathbed'. She said his heart was 'strong' after he underwent surgery.
Within minutes of the news trickling through, fans and sports stars paid tribute to the man, born Terry Bollea, who transcended wrestling to become a 1980s pop culture icon.
Donald Trump Jr posted to X, 'R.I.P to a legend' and added a selfie of himself with the wrestling star.
Fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair wrote, '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.
The sports world paid tribute to iconic wrestler Hulk Hogan, who died at the age of 71
Hogan's rise to popularity catapulted professional wrestling into the mainstream and made him a 1980s pop culture icon in the process, helping to pave the way for WWE to be what it is today
Hogan pictured alongside Donald Trump in Atlantic City in 1987. Hogan would become one of Trump's biggest supporters throughout his three runs for President of the United States.
'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!'
The official X account from the WWE 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.'
Ric's daughter, former WWE women's world champion Charlotte Flair also posted a tribute: '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.'
Former MLB pitcher John Rocker posted, 'A patriot, and a true American. RIP Hulk Hogan.'
'Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of Hulk Hogan who has passed away at 71 years old,' wrote former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III.
'Hard to describe this man's dominance in our society during my childhood years. RIP to the Hulkster,' MSNBC's Sam Stein posted.
Other tributes reflected some of the more unsavory parts of Hogan's legacy: including allegations of racism, his foiling of the WWE star's plan to unionize, and his relentless support of President Donald Trump.
The Athletic's Chris Vannini remarked, 'Hulk Hogan leaves such a complicated legacy. He changed the entertainment business. He changed the journalism business. He did bad things and good things. One of the two greatest pro wrestlers ever, and he never stopped selling the gimmick.'
Former college basketball star and current analyst Travonne Edwards remarked, 'hulk hogan was a fictional hero in my world until he wasn't. thanks for the good years as the character/wrestler but to terry the man, i got no words for you 'brother"'.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
