Donald Trump reacts to death of 'great friend' Hulk Hogan with moving tribute
In an emotional statement on X, Trump honoured Hogan as he wrote: "'We lost a great friend today, the "Hulkster". Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way - Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.
"He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,' Trump wrote, as he praised his 'absolutely electric speech' from the Republican 2024 National Convention.
"To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed," he concluded.
Vice President JD Vance also honoured the famous wrestler as he wrote: "Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.", reports the Mirror. (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
"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."
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, publicly endorsed Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, energising the audience as he waved an American flag before the former president's address.
Though Hogan had stayed quiet during Trump's initial campaign, he said the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania altered everything. "What happened last week, when they took a shot at my hero, and they tried to kill the next president of the United States, enough was enough and I said let Trumpamania run wild brother" he proclaimed, ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top.
Hogan, who claimed he's known Trump for over 35 years, reflected on his early wrestling days at Trump's hotel venues. "I just had a flashback man, this is really tripping," he expressed.
"You know the last time I was onstage Donald Trump was sitting ringside at Trump Plaza." (Image: AP)
WrestleMania was hosted near Trump Plaza in 1988 and 1989, and Hogan pointed to Trump's previous presidency as evidence he'd "enforce the border and be tough on crime.
"So all you criminals, all you low-lifes, all you scumbags, all you drug dealers and all you crooked politicians need to answer one question for me. What you gonna do when Donald Trump and all the Trumpamaniacs run wild on you brother?" he bellowed during an event in Milwaukee.
At a rally in Madison Square Garden shortly before the election, Hogan roused the crowd once more. "You something Trumpmaniacs, I don't see no stinkin' Nazis in here, I don't see no stinkin' domestic terrorists in here, the only thing I see in here are a bunch of hard workin' men and women that are real Americans brother."
He also appeared in D. C.
for Trump's inauguration, ripping his tuxedo sleeves at the Liberty Ball. "We have our country back" he declared on Fox News.
"We're going to get everything back to where it should be." (Image: Sky Daily Hogan/Instagram)
Hogan's death was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in a statement on X which read: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
"One of pop culture's most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s."
WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans. "".
It has also been claimed by TMZ that paramedics were sent to the 71 year old's residence in Clearwater, Florida. The devastating news arrives just weeks after his wife, Sky, was forced to dismiss rumours he was in a coma.
Hogan is believed to have suffered a heart attack at his Florida residence. It has been reported that emergency services were called to Hulk's house in Clearwater, Florida, in the early hours of Thursday morning; it's understood operators confirmed it was a "cardiac arrest". (Image: AP)
TMZ has reported that numerous police vehicles and emergency units were stationed outside the wrestling icon's property, and he was 'transported on a stretcher into an ambulance'.
The recording from the 999 call, as paramedics raced to Hulk Hogan's residence, has been released. In the recording, obtained by TMZ, emergency responders can be heard confirming that a patient had suffered cardiac arrest.
Just weeks prior to Hulk's passing, a spokesperson for the WWE legend dismissed rumours he was seriously unwell. In May, it was revealed he'd had a minor "fusion procedure" on his neck.
However, in June, a YouTuber alleged that matters were "not looking good" for him. Refuting the claims, a representative stated that Hulk's operation had been "successful" and there were "no reasons to panic."
They continued: "He just needs from time to time a medical check up." (Image: Getty Images)
After his passing, an avalanche of tributes has poured in for the WWE icon. Posting on Instagram, Hollywood star Sylvester shared a photograph of himself with Hulk, who starred alongside him in Rocky III in 1982.
The performer commented: "I had 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.."
Television presenter Piers Morgan, who previously interviewed Hulk, has also described the WWE performer as the "most iconic" wrestler.
In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: "RIP Hulk Hogan - the most iconic wrestler in history, a wonderful character, and in person, a far gentler, charming, intelligent man far removed from his snarling beast ring (and Rocky movie! ) persona. Sad news."
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