Pro Wrestling World Reacts To Hulk Hogan's Sudden Death
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The professional wrestling world was shaken when news traveled that WWE and WCW icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, has sadly passed away at 71 years old due to cardiac arrest, TMZ reports.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at age 71, according to multiple reports. https://t.co/SBRYEr4n2e — Newsweek (@Newsweek) July 24, 2025
Widely considered one of the best wrestlers and biggest draws in the history of the business, Hogan took home countless championships, including the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times and the WWF/WWE Championship six times.
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Needless to say, countless tributes from different promotions and wrestlers have already begun pouring out for the former leader of the nWo.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan greets the crowd during the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Crown Jewel pay-per-view at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on November 2, 2018.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan greets the crowd during the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Crown Jewel pay-per-view at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on November 2, 2018.
Fayez Nureldine/AFP/Getty Images
"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," WWE shared on social media. "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."
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. — WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
WWE went on to share a clip of Hogan slamming Andre the Giant to the ground at WrestleMania III, one of the most iconic moments in professional wrestling history.
The legendary Hulk Hogan ❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/3daG7IDznf — WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
Fellow pro wrestling legend Ric Flair paid tribute to his longtime friend, noting how much he meant in the most difficult times of his life.
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"I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend [Hulk Hogan]," Flair said. "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!
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… pic.twitter.com/rOWLakMjr4 — Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 24, 2025
Flair's daughter, current WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair, also shared her condolences online, particularly remembering the time Hogan reached out to her when she nearly lost her father.
"When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan," Flair said. "My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother."
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 — Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) July 24, 2025
Pro wrestling critic and historian Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer remembered Hogan for what he had accomplished for the business.
"Hulk Hogan died at 71 today," Meltzer said. "He is probably the most famous pro wrestler who ever lived and more people paid to see him perform over the course of his career than any other person. Thanks for the memories."
Hulk Hogan died at 71 today. He is probably the most famous pro wrestler who ever lived and more people paid to see him perform over the course of his career than any other person. Thanks for the memories. — Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) July 24, 2025
One of Hogan's fiercest rivals, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, also paid tribute to The Hulkster.
"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."
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 pic.twitter.com/73o86iY1bA — JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) July 24, 2025
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For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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