Tributes from the sports world are pouring in after hearing the news that Hulk Hogan, arguably the most iconic and popular performer in the history of professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71.
TMZ reported that first responders arrived at his home in Clearwater, Florida after receiving reports of a ‘cardiac arrest’. He was taken out of his home on a stretcher and brought to an ambulance where he was transported to a hospital.
This came weeks after his wife, Sky, swatted aside rumors that Hogan was on his ‘deathbed’. She said his heart was ‘strong’ after he underwent surgery.
Within minutes of the news trickling through, fans and sports stars paid tribute to the man who transcended wrestling to become a 1980s pop culture icon.
Donald Trump Jr posted to X, ‘R.I.P to a legend’ and added a selfie of himself with the wrestling star.
Fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair wrote, ‘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!’
The official X account from the WWE said, ‘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.’
Former MLB pitcher John Rocker posted, ‘A patriot, and a true American. RIP Hulk Hogan.’
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The sports world paid tribute to iconic wrestler Hulk Hogan, who died at the age of 71
