Celebrities, politicians, conservative commentators, and more are paying tribute to legendary wrestling icon Hulk Hogan after news surfaced of his death on Thursday. He was 71.
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, suffered a possible "cardiac arrest" at his home in Clearwater, Florida, TMZ Sports reported.
The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) confirmed reports that he had passed away. The statement read: "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."
READ MORE: Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon and Star of the Republican National Convention, Has Died at the Age of 71
Shortly after news surfaced, social media accounts flooded X and Instagram with memories people had of the bigger-than-life wrestling star.
Vice President JD Vance wrote, "Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him, we promised we'd get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace."
RIP. 🇺🇸💪 pic.twitter.com/yhlbq7EPWx
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) July 24, 2025
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's tribute had fewer words, just writing "RIP" with an American flag and flexing muscle emoji. It included a photo of Hogan in his early wrestling days inside the ring, waving an American flag.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-LA) post was just as great, with several snaps. One of them is posing for a picture with Hogan. The other is of Hogan and President Donald Trump arm wrestling.
"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," Johnson's post read.
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. pic.twitter.com/FfRSmlc8Ko
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 24, 2025
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Retired wrestling icon Ric Flair shared a series of photos of his dear friend, and wrote that he was "Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend."
"Hulk Hogan 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 added. "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," Flair continued. "Hulkster, No One Will Ever. Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend."
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk added, "Hulk Hogan was a genuine, uniquely American creation. Fearlessly original. Flawed but unbowed. He had the courage to stand on his own principles, and he never stopped fighting for his country. An American icon. He will be missed."
His post included a clip from Hogan's truly memorable appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention when he threw all his support behind then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Hulk Hogan was a genuine, uniquely American creation. Fearlessly original. Flawed but unbowed. He had the courage to stand on his own principles, and he never stopped fighting for his country.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 24, 2025
An American icon.
He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/KYoyLhjvhP
Political commentator Piers Morgan shared a throwback photo of Hogan's appearance on his former CNN show and wrote," RIP Hulk Hogan - the most iconic wrestler in history, a wonderful character, and in person, a far gentler, charming, intelligent man far removed from his snarling beast ring (and Rocky movie!) persona. Sad news."
Conservative commentator Jesse Kelly nicely wrapped up many of the comments on social media when he admitted in his tribute that he's not "one of these 'everything was better back in my day' people. But I cannot properly describe how much different the 80s were than what we have today. It was fun and happy and patriotic and ridiculous and over the top. It was wonderful. And Hulk Hogan was a big part of it."
Patriotic singer Lee Greenwood added some fun photos of him with the wrestling legend and wrote that "Our hearts are with the Hogan family, the millions of fans, and friends across the world as we mourn this heartbreaking loss. #HulkHogan."
Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy also shared a tribute to Hogan and wrote on X, "The Hulkster was a true 1 of 1 American icon. A part of America died today. Rip to a true legend."
Townhall and CNN commentator Scott Jennings added, "I'm in shock, but Hulkamania will run wild forever. RIP Hulkster."
Honestly, even as this piece gets published, more condolence messages continue to surface, and it is just a matter of time before we hear from President Trump on the icon’s death.
It’s clear from everyone's comments that America was better because of Hogan.
UPDATED: As expected, President Trump has now weighed in on Hogan's passing, writing on his Truth Social account:
POTUS on the passing of the legendary Hulk Hogan:
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) July 24, 2025
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the… pic.twitter.com/WPBU2xEm3G
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. 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. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
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