Hulk Hogan, the legendary former WWE wrestler, has died at the age of 71.
Per TMZ, medics were seen outside of Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, Thursday morning after he had suffered what operators revealed to be a “cardiac arrest.”
A statement from the WWE was soon released on social media paying tribute to the Hall of Famer, who is regarded as one of the organization’s all-time biggest stars.
UFC fighters react to the news of Hulk Hogan’s passing
Figures from both the wrestling and combat sports world quickly began to pay tribute to the WWE icon on social media, including names from within the UFC.
Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, made an appearance in MMA’s leading promotion just eight months ago. Hogan walked Colby Covington out at UFC Tampa in December 2024. Hogan had previously spoken about an MMA career, explaining why he chose against dipping his toes in the violent sport.
Regardless, he evidently remained a fan, and numerous UFC stars paid tribute to one of the leading figures responsible for catapulting pro wrestling to global recognition.
“Rest in peace to the legend Hulk Hogan!” Cody Durden wrote on X.
“Damn RIP Brother,” Matt Frevola said.
“Thank you for inspiring a whole generation of Real Americans Hulkster. Hulkamania will live forever,” Covington wrote.
“#riphulkhogan,” Garrett Armfield put, alongside an image of Hogan tearing his shirt.
“Hulkster in Heaven,” Tom Lawlor said.
“Thank you for everything @hulkhogan rest in paradise. My career wouldn’t be where it is today without your influence. Hulkamania will live forever BROTHER,” wrote Oban Elliott, who uses Hogan’s signature pose after his UFC wins.
“RIP to the legend Hulk Hogan,” posted Alan Jouban.
Hogan had only recently made combat sports headlines after founding the Real American Freestyle wrestling organization with Eric Bischoff and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez.
Hulk Hogan’s memorable career as a wrestler and entertainer
Hogan rose to pro wrestling stardom in the 1980s and 1990s, winning multiple championships during a memorable tenure that culminated in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame by Sylvester Stallone in 2005.
The late Florida native began his career in the WWF, where he became a five-time champ and enjoyed a 1,474-day reign — the longest of the WrestleMania era ever.
Among the most famous moments of Hogan’s wrestling career came in 1988, when he faced Andre the Giant on WWF The Main Event. The match still holds American television viewership records for wrestling, with a 15.2 Nielsen rating and 33 million viewers.
Hogan appeared in his last match in 2012 but remained active in the world of sports entertainment through frequent WWE appearances, including just this past January at the WWE’s debut on Netflix.
Hogan’s trademark look and catchphrases made him recognizable worldwide and set up a future career in acting, as he starred in several films, including No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also had his own reality series, Hogan Knows Best.
His career was far from controversy-free, especially during his latter years. That included leaked audio in 2015 of Hogan using racist language, including multiple uses of the n-word.