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Terry Bollea, also known as legendary wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, died Thursday. He was 71.
Hogan had an undeniable impact on the pro-wrestling world, almost singlehandedly carrying the business throughout the 1980s. Hogan was so popular during the era he broke out of the wrestling bubble, becoming a full-on entertainer. Over his career, Hogan appeared in movies, dabbled in music, had his own popular reality-television program and even opened his own pasta-themed restaurant.
Hogan's star dimmed in recent years after he was caught using racial slurs in a leaked sex tape. WWE cut ties with the wrestling icon for years before his eventual return. He received negative reactions from fans in his final appearances with WWE.
Despite his end with WWE, Hogan remained an influential and legendary figure in wresting circles until his death. Hogan was remembered fondly by a number of wrestling stars Thursday.
A proof that his impact stretched far beyond sports, Hogan's death prompted a message from President Donald Trump, who referred to Hogan as "Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart."
Hogan appeared at the 2024 Republican National Convention in support of Trump.
At the convention, Hogan gave a speech and ripped off his shirt while proclaiming "Let Trump-A-Mania run wild, brother."
Former WWE owner Vince McMahon sent a heartfelt message about Hogan's death. McMahon called Hogan a "global phenomenon."
Chad Bronstein, CEO and co-founder of Real American Freestyle, the pro freestyle wrestling league that Hogan partnered with, released a statement saying, "We lost our Commissioner. We lost a friend. And the sport of wrestling lost one of its greatest champions, not just in the ring, but in spirit.
"Hulk Hogan believed wrestling was more than just entertainment. He saw it as a brotherhood, a proving ground and a platform for greatness. That’s what Real American Freestyle was built to be, a new stage for the toughest, most passionate athletes on Earth. And Hulk was at the center of it.
"From day one, he threw his weight behind this league. He met with athletes. He watched tape, shared stories, and showed up like only he could. RAF was personal to him, something bigger than all of us.
"This league is part of his legacy, and we intend to honor it."
A number of wrestlers also paid tribute to Hogan on Thursday, with one of his biggest wrestling rivals leading the charge.
That would be Ric Flair, who praised Hogan for being a great friend away from the ring.
Flair's daughter Charlotte, a 14-time world champion in her own right, also paid tribute to Hogan on Thursday.
Other wrestling superstars and companies chimed in Thursday to pay homage to Hogan.
Trump's vice president, JD Vance, also paid homage to Hogan, calling him a "great American icon."
