Stars and Wrestling Legends React to Hulk Hogan’s Death at 71

Stars and Wrestling Legends React to Hulk Hogan’s Death at 71 originally appeared on Parade.

The world of wrestling is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures.

Hulk Hogan, the legendary WWE Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 71, TMZ Sports was first to report. According to the outlet, emergency crews were dispatched to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida early Thursday morning following reports of cardiac arrest.

The devastating news comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, addressed swirling rumors about the former wrestler’s health, firmly denying claims he was in a coma. At the time, she reassured fans that her husband’s heart was “strong” and that he was continuing to recover from recent surgeries.

In June, speculation surfaced that the wrestling icon was on his “deathbed,” but sources close to Hogan clarified that he was dealing with complications from a neck surgery he underwent in May.

As news of Hogan’s passing spread, tributes from across the wrestling world and beyond poured in, honoring the culture icon, who was just as much known for his moves in the ring as he was for his larger-than-life persona and trademark handlebar mustache.

Wrestling legend Ric Flair was among the first to react, sharing a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).

“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!” Flair, 76, wrote. “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.”

Flair also posted a series of throwback photos of the two over the years, opening up about their long-lasting friendship.

“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,” Flair continued. “Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!”

Brooke Shields also shared a throwback of her and Hogan, which saw the pair arm wrestling on the set of her ’90s sitcom, Suddenly Susan, alongside co-star Kathy Griffin, who was seen grinning from ear-to-ear as she refereed the test of strength.

“Rest easy, Hulk. This moment and his entire guest episode on ‘Suddenly Susan’ was a true highlight,” the model-actress, 60, wrote. “Sending love to all of his loved ones today 🖤.”

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, echoed the sentiment: “The Hulkster was a true 1 of 1 American icon. A part of America died today. Rip to a true legend.”

UFC head, Dana White, kept his tribute short and sweet, sharing a photo of Hogan that simply read, “RIP Hulk.”

The WWE, meanwhile, issued a statement on social media: “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.”

See more tributes below:

Stars and Wrestling Legends React to Hulk Hogan’s Death at 71 first appeared on Parade on Jul 24, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.