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Former President Donald Trump has joined many others in expressing sadness over the passing of WWE legend Hulk Hogan.
Trump, who had a close relationship with Hogan for years, which included Hogan speaking at the Republican National Convention last year, paid tribute to the “Hulkster” on Truth Social.
“We have lost a dear friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” Trump wrote. “He delivered an incredibly powerful speech at the Republican National Convention, which was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all around the world, and his cultural influence was significant.
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Hulk Hogan, professional entertainer and wrestler, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum. The final day of the RNC featured a keynote address by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. (IMAGN)
“To his wife, Sky, and family, we send our warmest wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
The wrestling icon, whose real name is Terry Bollea, passed away after experiencing a possible “cardiac arrest” at his home in Clearwater, Florida, as reported by TMZ Sports on Thursday. Emergency responders rushed to Hogan’s residence where he was taken by ambulance.
“Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach,” a statement from Clearwater Police Department read. “The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.”
The WWE also released a statement regarding Hogan’s passing.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company stated. “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.”
Hogan reportedly faced a health scare weeks before his death, despite denials from his wife, Sky. She stated that her husband was “strong” and recovering from surgeries.
Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. (Al Dunlop/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
In July 2024, Hogan endorsed Trump for president at the RNC, where he declared “Let Trump-a-mania make America great again” – a nod to his Hulk-A-Mania persona.
Hogan expressed his dismay upon hearing about the attempted assassination of Trump, stating that they “took a shot at my hero.” In typical Hogan fashion, he tore his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance 2024 shirt.
“Enough was enough and I said, let Trump-a-mania run wild, brother. Let Trump-a-mania rule again. Let Trump-a-mania make America great again,” he exclaimed while flexing his muscles.
Hogan’s support for Trump extended beyond 2024, as he mentioned to TMZ in 2015 that he would like to be Trump’s running mate before his first presidential term, during which Mike Pence served as his vice president.
Donald Trump and World Champion Wrestler Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania Vl Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey March 29 1987. (Jeffrey Asher/ Getty Images)
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The current vice president, JD Vance, also offered his condolences to Hogan’s family and the wrestling community on Thursday.
“Hulk Hogan was an American icon. One of the first people I truly looked up to as a child,” Vance wrote on X. “The last time we met, we promised to have a beer together next time we saw each other. Our next meeting will have to be in another realm, my friend! Rest in peace.”
Contributions to this report were made by Ryan Gaydos of Fox News.
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