Posted on 7/25/125 by Colin Vassallo
The pro wrestling world, as expected, mourned the death of
Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday
morning.
WWE led the line, posting a note on social media just
minutes following the TMZ report. The company also created a
Remembering Hulk Hogan section on their popular YouTube
account and a post on their WWE.COM website.
“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,” the statement said.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque said that
WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-
life characters that compete in the ring.
“Few, if any, loomed larger than Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea,”
Triple H wrote. “He was the archetype of what it meant to be
a ‘Superstar’ – a global sensation that inspired millions to
work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a
look that made him recognizable to fans around the world.”
He continued, “Hulk Hogan, clad in red and yellow or nWo
black and white, was simply put, iconic. As a Real American
or the leader of one of the industry’s biggest factions, he
transcended and elevated the entire business to heights
never before seen – in every country and on every continent.
There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may
never be another. My family sends their condolences to his
family, friends, and fans.”
TNA President Carlos Silva wrote that he was saddened to
learn of the passing of Hulk Hogan. Hogan worked for TNA
between 2010 and 2013.
“Hogan’s name was synonymous with professional wrestling,
transcending the industry to become an American pop culture
fixture. My condolences go out to his fans, friends and
family. Rest in peace,” Silva wrote.
The NWA posted, “The National Wrestling Alliance mourns the
passing of Terry Bollea, known professionally the world over
as Hulk Hogan. On this sad occasion we extend our deepest
sympathies to Hulk’s family, friends, and million of fans.”
AEW, who years ago banned Hulk Hogan from attending any of
their events, did not publicly comment.
Many of his former colleagues as well as politicians and
people from the entertainment industry posted their thoughts
on X.
Ric Flair: 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!
Charlotte Flair: When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one
of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk
Hogan. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace,
brother.
JBL: “One of the reasons I got into wrestling. Hulk was
always so nice to me and was the one celebrity that wanted
to see all the kids I brought over from Bermuda. RIP legend.
There will never be another. Hulkamania never dies.”
Tony Schiavone: “Say what you want about Hulk Hogan, but his
impact on pro wrestling is undeniable. RIP Hulkster. The end
of an era.”
Kevin Nash: “I lost another brother. Icon doesn’t even touch
it. Rest in power my friend. NWO 4 Life….and beyond.”
Sting: “HULK HOGAN – THE GREATEST OF ALL. Can’t thank you
enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans
all over the world. I loved you and I will miss you. My
friend, Terry Bollea, RIP”
Shawn Michaels: “A legend. A larger-than-life presence. Hulk
Hogan didn’t just work in this business… he transformed it.
Rest in peace, Hulkster.”
Linda McMahon: “I had the privilege of knowing and working
with @HulkHogan for over 40 years. Hulk was a dear friend
and member of our WWE family. His legacy in and out of the
ring will always be remembered. He was one of a kind! My
thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, and
all of his fans.”
The Undertaker: “The wrestling world has lost a true legend.
His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for
that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”
The Miz: “When I was a kid I ate my vitamins, said my
prayers because Hulk Hogan told me to. He was someone I
looked up to; a larger-than-life presence I copied
constantly growing up. The voice, flexing, charisma, he made
you want to be bold, loud, confident. RIP, Hulk Hogan.”
Brutus Beefcake: “Through the good times and the bad, I
always loved my brother Terry! I am devastated by the loss
of my friend, I only wish we had time to mend our broken
friendship before his passing. Until I see you Brother, in
the big squared circle in the sky! I love you #hulkhogan
#RIP”
Bubba Ray Dudley: “As a young fan, I’ll never forget the day
Bob Backlund brought you out to help him. As an old pro, I
will never forget how much you meant to my career. I
appreciate every thing you did for me. And was happy to call
you a friend…and Brother. GOD BLESS HULK HOGAN”
Kurt Angle: “R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors
for so many people in the business including myself. There
would not be a Kurt Angle, without the American Made, Hulk
Hogan. My heart and prayers go out to his family. We lost a
real icon today.”
Donald Trump Jr: “R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN”
Jake “The Snake” Roberts: “It’s hard to put into words what
Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea meant to professional wrestling
and entertainment. He may be gone, but his memory and legacy
will live forever. RIP Hulkster.”
Carlos Silva: “I hope they have the red and yellow wings
waiting for you. RIP Hulk.”
Robert Stone: “Hulk was the man period. I often forget I got
to work with and film segments with him regularly during his
TNA run. Wrestling will never be the same.”
Ryback: “Sending positive thoughts, energy, and prayers to
Hulk Hogan’s family and close friends during this time.
Thank you for all the great memories and everything you gave
to the business. Every encounter I had left a positive mark.
Rest in power, brother.”
Kane: “Hulk Hogan was a true legend. I was fortunate to work
with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It
was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions
of guys my age, I’d practiced it in the mirror a thousand
times growing up. ”
Matt Hardy: “Terry Bollea was the first mainstream megastar
in pro wrestling. He was the face of sports entertainment &
elevated pro wrestling to a whole new level. I had the
opportunity to work with Hulkster a few times over the years
& enjoyed my interactions with him. My thoughts &
condolences are with his family, friends & fans, especially
his children.”
Pat McAfee: “Rest Easy, brother.”
Brett Lauderdale: “The Hulk Hogan era nWo wasnt the biggest
thing in wrestling…it was the biggest thing on television.
It crossed over/dominated the mainstream. People talked
about it at school & at work. They talked about it during
the nba finals. As cool as it gets.”
Matt Cardona: “If it wasn’t for Hulk Hogan, I don’t know if
I’d be a pro wrestler or even a pro wrestling fan. RIP
Hulkster. Hulkamania will live FOREVER!!!”
Demolition Smash: “I just heard about the Hulkster. Very
sad. I am praying for his family. To many of our friends
have passed away.”
Sgt. Slaughter: “Saddened To Hear About The Passing of Hulk
Hogan…I Guess God Needed An Incredible Angel R.I.P. My
Friend”
Georges St-Pierre: “They say you should never meet your
idols, but meeting Hulk Hogan made me admire him even more.
He was so generous with his time and an inspiration not only
as an athlete and entertainer, but also as a human being. He
will be missed by us all. RIP Hulk Hogan”
Speaker Mike Johnson: “We all have fond memories of
@HulkHogan. From my childhood in the ‘80s, to campaigning
with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature
and in life. May he rest in peace.”
Turkki Alalshikh: “Condolences to my dear friend Hulk Hogan,
who sadly passed away today at 71. Will never forget the
magic of seeing him up close in person at WrestleMania IX
when I was 12. Hulk unlocked wrestling’s great success and
he will never be forgotten. Well wishes to his family.”
Christopher Lloyd: “Rest in peace, Hulk.”
Lee Greenwood: “Our hearts are with the Hogan family, the
millions of fans, and friends across the world as we mourn
this heartbreaking loss.”