Legendary wrestlers, WWE react to Hulk Hogan dead at 71

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Legendary wrestlers and the WWE provided their thoughts on Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan dying on Thursday. He was 71 years old.

Hogan reportedly died Thursday morning in his home in Florida. TMZ initially reported that emergency medical crews were seen outside of his Clearwater, Florida home.

He reportedly died due to a cardiac arrest event, according to multiple sources.

The WWE issued a statement following the legendary wrestling star’s death by saying:

“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.”

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Legendary wrestler Ric Flair also provided his thoughts in a post on X (Twitter) about Hogan following his death and recalled beginning his wrestling career with the Hall of Famer, while expressing the strength of their friendship over the years.

“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!”

Wrestling legend and WWE’s Chief of Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, also issued a statement on X and shared his condolences for the Hogan family on Thursday.

“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.”

Hogan, a retired professional wrestler, made a name for himself in entertainment through his character with his signature blonde mustache and bandana, while showcasing his charismatic approach to the sport in the ring.

After wrestling, he eventually became a reality TV star and a political spokesperson. He also made a few special guest appearances on WWE following his retirement from wrestling.

In 1987, Hogan defeated wrestling great Andre the Giant to win Wrestlemania 3 and he reigned 12 times as WWE and WCW World Champion.