Wrestlers and Celebrities React to Hulk Hogan’s Death: Ric Flair and More

Since information broke of legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan’s death on Thursday, July 24, at age 71, wrestlers and celebrities have come ahead to share their condolences and reminiscences.

Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his residence in Clearwater, Florida and was pronounced useless at a neighborhood hospital, in line with the Clearwater Police Division. TMZ was first to report the information of his demise, and the household has since confirmed it to Us Weekly.

“WWE is saddened to be taught WWE Corridor of Famer Hulk Hogan has handed away,” WWE mentioned in a press release. “One of popular culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE obtain world recognition within the Eighties. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s household, mates, and followers.”

Hogan joined WWE, then referred to as WWF, in 1979, and headlined eight of the primary 9 editions of WrestleMania. As skilled wrestling’s recognition boomed all through the Eighties, he turned one of many faces of the game till his retirement in 2012.

Preserve scrolling for extra reactions to his demise:

Ric Aptitude

Referred to as one of many biggest skilled wrestlers of all-time, Aptitude took to X to share his reminiscences with Hogan.

“I Am Completely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Shut Pal @HulkHogan!” he wrote. “Hulk Has Been By My Aspect Since We Began In The Wrestling Enterprise. An Unbelievable Athlete, Expertise, Pal, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was At all times There For Me Even Once I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be.”

He added that Hogan visited him within the hospital when he had surgical procedure to take away a bowel obstruction that introduced life-threatening issues in 2017, and that Hogan lent him cash when his son, Reid, was sick. Reid died of a drug overdose in 2013 at age 25.

“He Was One Of The First To Go to Me Once I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Probability Of Residing, And He Prayed By My Bedside,” wrote Aptitude, 76. “Hulk Additionally Lent Me Cash When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Evaluate To You! Relaxation In Peace My Pal! 🙏🏻”

Charlotte Aptitude

Ric’s daughter Charlotte, knowledgeable wrestler herself, shared comparable reminiscences.

“Once I practically misplaced my dad 8 years in the past, one of many few individuals who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan,” she wrote through X. “My coronary heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Relaxation in peace, brother.”

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

Wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson remembered his iconic WrestleMania 18 match with Hogan in 2002 in a transferring Instagram tribute.

“If you kick out of my Rock Backside finisher – simply hear and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC… all for you. I’ve by no means felt something like that in my whole wrestling profession. It takes two to tango, however that historic crowd response was all for you,” he wrote.

“You might have ‘handed the torch’ to me that evening, however you, my buddy…. you ‘drew the home’ that means you bought out each area and stadium throughout the nation in your prime as Hulk Hogan, in your approach of turning into the best of all time,” he continued.

Johnson concluded, “From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and loopy world {of professional} wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and ceaselessly… Thanks for the home, brother…”

President Donald Trump

“We misplaced an awesome buddy at this time, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the best way — Sturdy, robust, sensible, however with the largest coronary heart,” the president wrote through Truth Social.

Trump continued, “He entertained followers from all around the World, and the cultural influence he had was large. To his spouse, Sky, and household, we give our warmest finest needs and love. Hulk Hogan shall be tremendously missed!”

Vince McMahon

The previous WWE chairman, below whom Hogan catapulted to fame within the Eighties, shared a press release through X remembering his longtime buddy.

“The world misplaced a treasure at this time. Hulk Hogan was the best WWE Famous person of ALL TIME, somebody who was liked and admired all over the world. He was a trailblazer, the primary performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a world phenomenon,” McMahon wrote.

“His grit and unbridled thirst for fulfillment have been unparalleled – and made him the consummate performer. He gave every thing he needed to the viewers whom he appreciated, revered and liked,” he added.

McMahon concluded, “He leaves us with certainly one of his favourite expressions, ‘Practice, take your nutritional vitamins and say your prayers.’ As we speak, we pray for him.”

Lee Greenwood

The nation music singer shared his heartfelt condolences in a press release via X.

“Our hearts are with the Hogan household, the thousands and thousands of followers, and mates the world over as we mourn this heartbreaking loss,” he wrote.

J.D. Vance

The present Vice President grew up idolizing Hogan and later turned mates with him as Hogan turned extra concerned in Republican politics.

“Hulk Hogan was an awesome American icon,” Vance, 40, wrote via X. “One of many first folks I ever really admired as a child. The final time I noticed him we promised we’d get beers collectively subsequent time we noticed one another. The following time should be on the opposite aspect, my buddy! Relaxation in peace.”

Sgt. Slaughter

An actor {and professional} wrestler, Slaughter rose to fame similtaneously Hogan. He remembered his longtime rival in a submit via X.

“Saddened To Hear About The Passing of Hulk Hogan,” he wrote. “I Guess God Wanted An Unbelievable Angel😇R.I.P.🙏🏻My Pal❤️”

Triple H

Triple H credited Hogan with being one of many “bigger than life characters” who made skilled wrestling what it’s at this time.

“He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Famous person’ – a world sensation that impressed thousands and thousands to work exhausting at no matter it was they wished to perform and a glance that made him recognizable to followers all over the world,” he defined via X.

“There was nobody like The Hulkster and there very nicely could by no means be one other. My household sends their condolences to his household, mates, and followers,” Triple H added.

Sting

Former skilled wrestler Sting posted an image of him and Hogan shaking fingers within the ring to X, writing, “HULK HOGAN – THE GREATEST OF ALL. Can’t thanks sufficient for all that you just did for me and for wrestling followers all around the world. I liked you and I’ll miss you.”

“My buddy, Terry Bollea, RIP,” he concluded.

Donald Trump Jr.

The son of President Donald Trump shared his condolences alongside a selfie with Hogan that he took on the 2024 Republican Nationwide Conference.

“R.I.P to a legend. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 HULK HOGAN,” he wrote, including in a subsequent submit, “Hulk Hogan was an actual American icon and I’ll always remember his speech in assist of my father on the Republican Nationwide Conference. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸.”

Bret Baier

The journalist and Fox Information host wrote via X, “RIP to a real legend @HulkHogan.”

Vix Crow

Crow, additionally a veteran professional wrestler, shared a pair of photographs with Hogan, writing via X, “R.I.P GOOD UNCLE.”

John Layfield

The previous professional wrestler and soccer participant remembered Hogan as fan-friendly and beneficiant together with his time, taking the chance to go to with the children Layfield, 58, dropped at the US as a part of his charitable work in his present residence of Bermuda.

“One of many causes I received into wrestling. Hulk was all the time so good to me and was the one movie star that wished to see all the children I introduced over from Bermuda,” he wrote via X. “RIP legend. There’ll by no means be one other. Hulkamania by no means dies.”

The Miz

Former MTV-turned-WWE star Mike “The Miz” Mizanin shared through X, “Once I was a child I ate my nutritional vitamins, mentioned my prayers as a result of Hulk Hogan informed me to. He was somebody I appeared as much as; a larger-than-life presence I copied always rising up. The voice, flexing, charisma, he made you wish to be daring, loud, assured. RIP, Hulk Hogan.”

The Undertaker

“The wrestling world has misplaced a real legend. His contributions to our enterprise are immeasurable and for that I’m appreciative,” wrote the WWE Corridor of Famer through X. “Thanks, Hulk Hogan.”

Linda McMahon

The previous WWE CEO-turned-politician remembered Hogan’s contributions to the growth {of professional} wrestling within the Eighties.

“I had the privilege of figuring out and dealing with [Hulk] Hogan for over 40 years. Hulk was an expensive buddy and member of our WWE household. His legacy out and in of the ring will all the time be remembered. He was certainly one of a form!” the U.S. Secretary of Training wrote through X.

“My ideas and prayers are together with his household, his mates, and all of his followers,” she added.

Kane

“Hulk Hogan was a real legend. I used to be lucky to work with him a few occasions, together with this memorable one,” the enduring WWE wrestler-turned-politician wrote through X, alongside a clip of him impersonating Hogan in a backstage phase on WWE’s SmackDown in 2002. “It was straightforward to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like thousands and thousands of men my age, I’d practiced it within the mirror a thousand occasions rising up,” he continued, sharing the hashtag #RIPHulkHogan.

Nick Aldis

Present SmackDown basic supervisor Nick Aldis remembered Hogan’s contributions to professional wrestling, in addition to his controversial legacy, through X.

“The trade misplaced a person at this time that redefined what success might seem like in Professional Wrestling. This submit is to acknowledge Hulk Hogan’s contributions to the trade, that are troublesome to place into enough phrases,” he wrote. “Terry Bollea made private selections that earned him comprehensible criticism, however I’m not right here to weigh in on that.

He continued, “As somebody who has put meals on the desk from professional wrestling for twenty years, I consider it’s essential to take a second to acknowledge the significance of Hulk Hogan and Hulkamania to our enterprise. He pulled the wagon and introduced a ton of individuals with him. Introduced wrestling into the cable TV period, modified the sport for the best way performers might monetize their expertise. Put merely, he confirmed us what was attainable.”

“Additionally, he represents my childhood, and thousands and thousands of others. That deserves recognition. RIP Hulk Hogan,” the British wrestler added.

Matt Cardona

“If it wasn’t for Hulk Hogan, I don’t know if I’d be a professional wrestler or perhaps a professional wrestling fan. RIP Hulkster. Hulkamania will dwell FOREVER!!!” the previous WWE star referred to as Zack Ryder shared through X.

Kurt Angle

The Olympic gold medalist shared through X, “R.I.P Hulkster, thanks for opening up doorways for thus many individuals within the enterprise together with myself. There wouldn’t be a Kurt Angle, with out the American Made, Hulk Hogan. My coronary heart and prayers exit to his household. We misplaced an actual icon at this time.”