Tributes have begun pouring in for the late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who died on July 24 at age 71.
Hogan, a two-time inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame whose career expanded into reality television and film, was remembered by fellowing wrestling icons like John Cena, Ric Flair and Charlotte Flair, among others.
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan,” Ric, 76, wrote in a post on X after the news was announced. “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 continued, “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!”
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Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair on Nov. 18, 2009
Ric’s daughter, Charlotte, recalled how much Hogan supported her and her family when she nearly lost her father. “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,” she wrote.
Dana White, CEO of the UFC, shared a photo of Hogan to his Instagram Stories, writing, “RIP Hulk.”
Cena, 48, kept his tribute simple by posting an old photo of Hogan in the ring to his Instagram feed, just one day after posting a photo of the late rockstar Ozzy Osbourne, who died on July 22.
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John Cena and Hulk Hogan on April 3, 2014 in New Orleans
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“Our hearts are with the Hogan family, the millions of fans, and friends across the world as we mourn this heartbreaking loss,” Grammy-winning singer Lee Greenwood wrote in a post on X alongside photos with Hogan.
WWE confirmed Hogan’s death in a statement to PEOPLE on Thursday, July 24.
“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.”
TMZ was first to share the news, and said that medics were sent to Hogan’s home in Florida after he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. The outlet said he was taken out on a stretcher.
While widely celebrated for his wrestling accomplishments, Hogan also faced multiple controversies in recent years. He received backlash for his speech in support of President Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, and was featured in a racist rant that was leaked, which he later called “unacceptable” in 2015. Backed by billionaire Peter Thiel, Hogan sued Gawker for $100 million over a leaked 2012 sex tape and settled for $31 million in 2016.
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