PHOTOS: Remembering Hulk Hogan, iconic wrestler dead at 71
In Clearwater, Florida, authorities responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Police said Hogan was pronounced dead at local Morton Plant Hospital, according to Nexstar's WFLA.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was perhaps the biggest star in WWE's long history. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon.
The WWE said in a statement Thursday that it was 'saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,' adding that he was '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 continued.
Ric Flair, Hogan's friend and a familiar rival inside the ropes, mourned the news in a social media post, saying, 'I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!'
The post continued:
'Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business,' he wrote on X. '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!'
Hogan won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
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