Wrestlers and Celebrities React to Hulk Hogan’s Death at Age 71

Since news broke of legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan’s death on Thursday, July 24, at age 71, wrestlers and celebrities have come forward to share their condolences and memories.

Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to the Clearwater Police Department. TMZ was first to report the news of his death, and the family has since confirmed it to Us Weekly.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” WWE said in a statement. “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.”

Hogan joined WWE, then known as WWF, in 1979, and headlined eight of the first nine editions of WrestleMania. As professional wrestling’s popularity boomed throughout the 1980s, he became one of the faces of the sport until his retirement in 2012.

Keep scrolling for more reactions to his death:

Ric Flair

Known as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all-time, Flair took to X to share his memories with Hogan.

“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!” he wrote. “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 added that Hogan visited him in the hospital when he had surgery to remove a bowel obstruction that presented life-threatening complications in 2017, and that Hogan lent him money when his son, Reid, was sick. Reid died of a drug overdose in 2013 at age 25.

“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,” wrote Flair, 76. “Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend! 🙏🏻”

Charlotte Flair

Ric’s daughter Charlotte, a professional wrestler herself, shared similar memories.

“When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan,” she wrote via X. “My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.”

Lee Greenwood

The country music singer shared his heartfelt condolences in a statement via X.

“Our hearts are with the Hogan family, the millions of fans, and friends across the world as we mourn this heartbreaking loss,” he wrote.

J.D. Vance

The current Vice President grew up idolizing Hogan and later became friends with him as Hogan became more involved in Republican politics.

“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” Vance, 40, wrote via X. “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.”

Sgt. Slaughter

An actor and professional wrestler, Slaughter rose to fame at the same time as Hogan. He remembered his longtime rival in a post via X.

“Saddened To Hear About The Passing of Hulk Hogan,” he wrote. “I Guess God Needed An Incredible Angel😇R.I.P.🙏🏻My Friend❤️”

Triple H

Triple H credited Hogan with being one of the “larger than life characters” who made professional wrestling what it is today.

“He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world,” he explained via X.

“There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fans,” Triple H added.

Sting

Former professional wrestler Sting posted a picture of him and Hogan shaking hands in the ring to X, writing, “HULK HOGAN – THE GREATEST OF ALL. Can’t thank you enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans all over the world. I loved you and I will miss you.”

“My friend, Terry Bollea, RIP,” he concluded.

Donald Trump Jr.

The son of President Donald Trump shared his condolences alongside a selfie with Hogan that he took at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

“R.I.P to a legend. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 HULK HOGAN,” he wrote, adding in a subsequent post, “Hulk Hogan was a real American icon and I’ll never forget his speech in support of my father at the Republican National Convention. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸.”

Bret Baier

The journalist and Fox News host wrote via X, “RIP to a true legend @HulkHogan.”

Vix Crow

Crow, also a veteran pro wrestler, shared a pair of photos with Hogan, writing via X, “R.I.P GOOD UNCLE.”

John Layfield

The former pro wrestler and football player remembered Hogan as fan-friendly and generous with his time, taking the opportunity to visit with the kids Layfield, 58, brought to the United States as part of his charitable work in his current home of Bermuda.

“One of the reasons I got into wrestling. Hulk was always so nice to me and was the one celebrity that wanted to see all the kids I brought over from Bermuda,” he wrote via X. “RIP legend. There will never be another. Hulkamania never dies.”