Terry Gene Bollea, otherwise known as wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, has died at age 71, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed on Thursday morning.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” said the organization on X. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
TMZ first broke the news at 8:36 a.m. on Thursday, reporting that medics were dispatched to the area of the WWE Hall of Famer’s home in Clearwater, Florida, for a possible cardiac arrest.
The Clearwater Fire Department later confirmed the pro-wrestler’s death.
Another legendary wrestler, Ric Flair, also took to X to state his condolences.
“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!”
A flood of social media posts followed immediately after the announcement, including mentions from Donald Trump Jr., Joe Rogan, John Cena, Mario Lopez and more.
At 9:37 a.m., Vice President JD Vance posted his thoughts on X. “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,” read Vance’s statement. “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.”
The “Rocky” movie franchise creator and star, Sylvester Stallone, took to Instagram to share his sympathies, saying, “I have the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone…”
Another WWE legend, Brutus Beefcake, shared a video on Instagram with the caption reading, “This is the very last time I saw my Brother Terry. I’m heartbroken we weren’t able to put things back together. Until we meet again Terry, I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers!”
According to multiple media reports, ‘The Hulkster’ underwent neck fusion surgery in May. A relatively minor procedure, as Sports Illustrated reported “procedures are nothing new for Hogan.” However, despite recent rumors regarding Hogan’s declining health, legendary manager Jimmy Hart, who worked alongside Hogan for years, publicly pushed back against the speculations, saying Hogan was instead recovering well. On July 22, two days before the WWE star’s death, Hart said on X, “Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal! Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!”
TMZ Sports did not say what source alerted them of Hogan’s death, and as of 9 a.m., no family members have spoken publicly about the loss.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” concluded WWE’s social media statement.