NEWYou now have the option to listen to articles from Fox News!
The WWE honored the memory of the late wrestling icon Hulk Hogan before SmackDown on Friday night following his passing at the age of 71 on Thursday.
The tribute showcased highlights from Hogan’s illustrious wrestling career and his ventures in entertainment beyond the ring.
Narrator Triple-H referred to Hogan as “the ultimate hero” and mentioned that he passed away at home surrounded by loved ones.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan greets the crowd during the World WWE Crown Jewel pay-per-view at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh Nov. 2, 2018. (Fayez Nureldine /AFP via Getty Images)
The audience at SmackDown erupted in applause and chanted “Hogan! Hogan!” after the tribute video ended.
Despite reports of a health scare in the weeks leading up to his death, Hogan’s wife, Sky, dismissed the rumors and stated that her husband was resilient and recovering from surgeries.
The wrestling superstar, born Terry Bollea, made his debut in Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) in the late 1970s, eventually joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979. However, it was his return to the WWF, now known as WWE, that catapulted him to superstardom.
Vince McMahon, who acquired the WWF from his father, selected Hogan as the company’s main attraction. Hogan’s rise to fame began when he intervened to save Bob Backlund from an attack by the Wild Samoans, sparking the phenomenon known as “Hulkamania.”
WWE Legend Hulk Hogan attends the 2015 Susan G. Komen D.C. Race for the Cure at The National Mall May 9, 2015, in Washington, D.C. (Kris Connor/WireImage)
Hogan was a six-time WWE champion, won the Royal Rumble twice, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame both as an individual in 2005 and as a member of the NWO in 2020. He also held the world heavyweight championship in WCW six times and the IWGP championship in New Japan Pro-Wrestling once.
Former President Donald Trump expressed his condolences over the loss of the WWE legend.
Trump, who shared a close bond with Hogan for many years and had him speak at the Republican National Convention, paid tribute to the “Hulkster” on Truth Social.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” Trump wrote. “He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive.
Hulk Hogan is choked during a match in a scene from the film “No Holds Barred” in 1989. (TriStar/Getty Images)
“To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
In July 2024, Hogan endorsed Trump for president at the RNC, where he said “Let Trump-a-mania make America great again,” an ode to his Hulkamania moniker.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
