U.S. President Donald Trump has led tributes to WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, who died at the age of 71 on Thursday following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
Describing Hogan as “a great friend” and “the Hulkster,” Trump took to Truth Social to express his grief, calling the wrestling legend “MAGA all the way, strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
Trump praised Hogan’s larger-than-life persona and recalled his electrifying speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, calling it “one of the highlights of the entire week.”
“Hulk Hogan entertained fans from all over the world,” Trump wrote. “The cultural impact he had was massive. He will be greatly missed.”
The bond between Trump and Hogan spanned decades, from the heyday of WrestleMania in the 1980s, when Trump hosted the event at his Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, to recent political alignments.
At the 2024 RNC, Hogan famously tore off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top, shouting, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” and declaring Trump “the toughest of them all” following his survival of an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan was a defining figure in the rise of professional wrestling as mainstream entertainment.
Known for his iconic red and yellow attire, trademark handlebar moustache, and booming charisma, Hogan ushered in the era of “Hulkamania” and headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias.
His legendary 1987 match against André the Giant at WrestleMania III drew over 93,000 fans, a record at the time.
In the 1990s, he reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, leading the villainous New World Order (nWo) in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), fueling the wrestling boom during the Monday Night Wars.
Outside the ring, Hogan became a pop culture icon through appearances in films such as Rocky III and his reality TV series Hogan Knows Best.
Despite controversies, including a 2015 scandal over leaked audio that temporarily led to his removal from the WWE Hall of Fame, Hogan was later reinstated and remained one of the most recognisable figures in sports entertainment.
Tributes have poured in from fans and celebrities alike. WWE issued a statement 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.”
Actor Sylvester Stallone called Hogan’s performance in Rocky III “amazing,” while wrestling legend Ric Flair described him as “an incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father.”
Vice President JD Vance, whom Hogan once likened to “Macho Man” Randy Savage during his RNC speech, called him “a great American icon,” adding, “The next time we meet for that beer will have to be on the other side, my friend.”
Hulk Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era in professional wrestling and American popular culture. His impact, both inside and outside the ring, leaves a lasting legacy that few in sports entertainment history can rival.
