Tag: hulk hogan

Pacific Rim: Hulk Hogan’s history and legacy in Japan

Posted on by Jim Valley

Fumi Saito knew Hulk Hogan for over 40 years, going back to the AWA when they both lived in Minnesota.

On this episode of Pacific Rim, Fumi talks about Hulk Hogan before WWE, Hogan’s first tour in NJPW, how Stan Hansen and Andre the Giant mentored and helped Terry Bollea better define the image and wrestling style of Hulk Hogan, which match in Japan earned Hogan nearly $250,000 in today’s money, and Fumi’s stories about his friend Terry away from the ring.

It’s nearly two hours of Pacific Rim. Check it.

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TNA Wrestling, NJPW honor Hulk Hogan following his death

Posted on by Joseph Currier

TNA Wrestling and NJPW are honoring Hulk Hogan for the contributions he made to their respective promotions.

– Following Hogan’s passing at 71 years old, TNA presented a live episode of Impact from Kingston, Rhode Island on Thursday night. The broadcast was dedicated to Hogan with TNA taking a moment to remember him.

“Earlier today the world learned of the passing of the biggest icon in the history of professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan. His contributions to this company and the entirety of this industry will never be forgotten,” commentator Tom Hannifan said. “TNA Wrestling is deeply saddened by this news, and we send our condolences to the fans, friends, and family of Hulk Hogan.”

TNA is where Hogan ended his in-ring career, having his final match in 2012 on a TNA tour of the United Kingdom. He was with TNA from 2009-2013 as an on-screen performer as well as significantly influencing the company behind the scenes.

– NJPW, where Hogan found early success alongside his American stardom, posted the following remembrance on the company’s website:

New Japan Pro-Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Bollea, known to wrestling fans as Hulk Hogan, on July 24. He was 71.

While Hogan’s status as a blockbuster attraction and pop culture icon in the US is well documented, he also left a significant mark on Japanese and New Japan Pro-Wrestling history. Trained by Hiro Matsuda, Hogan first came to Japan in 1980, participating in the third MSG (Madison Square Garden) League that brought names from America to battle NJPW’s top stars. 

In late spring of 1983, the International Wrestling Grand Prix League saw the IWGP letters known today first used in NJPW competition. A league tournament brought wrestlers from across the world from various member promotions to determine an IWGP Champion that would then defend their status in the next year’s tournament. The league boiled down to Hogan and Antonio Inoki in the final, and to massive shock, Hogan would upset Inoki, landing his Ax Bomber lariat to send Inoki off the apron and to count out defeat to be the first IWGP League winner. Later that year, Inoki teamed with Hogan, and the two won the MSG Tag League together.

Hogan continued to compete in NJPW until 1985, and then returned to Japan in the early 1990s for the Genichiro Tenryu operated SWS. In 1993, Hogan created a stir when he targeted IWGP Heavyweight Champion Great Muta at Wrestling Dontaku while still carrying the WWF Championship; Hogan would defeat Muta in a non title bout in Fukuoka that May, and faced Tatsumi Fujinami the following January 4 in the Tokyo Dome before transitioning to WCW Stateside. Hogan’s last match in Japan came at Ultimate Crush in October 2003 with a victory over Masahiro Chono. 

 The thoughts and sympathies of all at New Japan Pro-Wrestling go to Hogan’s family, friends and fans. 

The Rock shares Hulk Hogan tribute: ‘Thank you for the house, brother’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is paying tribute to Hulk Hogan, a childhood hero of his who paved the way for The Rock to become a crossover superstar in wrestling and Hollywood.

Hogan passed away of cardiac arrest at 71 years old on Thursday following weeks of post-neck surgery health complications. In an Instagram tribute, The Rock shared how Hogan impacted his life dating back to when he was just a child growing up as the son of Rocky Johnson.

“To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero – myself included,” Rock wrote. “In 1984, I gave you your ‘HULKSTER’ headband back, in the locker room in Madison Square Garden – I was the lucky kid [who] caught it when you threw it in the crowd. You were wrestling ‘Mr Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff that night in the main event. You were shocked and so happy after the match because you told me that was your very last headband and if it weren’t for me, you’d have no way of getting that exact one made again. You promised me that you would get more made and give me a Hulkster headband of my own as a thank you gift.

“A month later in Madison Square Garden, you did just that. You kept your word, with a handshake and a ‘thanks kid.’ And that meant the world to that little 12 year old boy.”

Hogan and Rock would later share the ring together in 2002, when they faced off in one of the most famous matches in WWE history at WrestleMania 18. It was a special night for The Rock getting to defeat his childhood hero in a passing of the torch moment.

“Just 17 years later, and still a kid at the age of 29 years old — I’m standing in the middle of the ring and facing you – one of my wrestling heroes in the main event of WRESTLEMANIA,” Rock wrote in his tribute. “The match was to decide who would go down in history, as The Greatest of All Time.

“When you kick out of my Rock Bottom finisher – just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC…
all for you. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career. It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you. You may have ‘passed the torch’ to me that night, but you, my friend….…you ‘drew the house’ meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time.”

Hogan’s pop culture superstardom in 1980s helped make it possible for wrestlers like The Rock and John Cena to branch out into acting roles in their own eras. That will always be part of Hogan’s legacy as an on-screen performer.

“From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and crazy world of professional wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and forever…Thank you for the house, brother,” Rock said. “Thank you, for the house. RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan.”

Steve Austin pays tribute to Hulk Hogan: ‘Hulkamania lives on’

Posted on by Josh Nason

WWE legend & pro wrestling icon “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was the latest to pay tribute to the late Hulk Hogan who passed away Thursday at 71 years old.

Austin posted a picture of himself and Hogan on Instagram (seen below) with the following caption:

“Hulk Hogan was born to be a Professional Wrestler. Larger than life. Charisma for days. He was in a stratosphere all on his own. His contributions are immense. His influence will be forever. Hulkamania lives on. My condolences to his family and loved ones.”

The two shared a memorable moment with The Rock to open WWE WrestleMania 30, but Austin and Hogan never had a one-on-one match. The closest they came was in a three-on-two handicap match on a March 2022 edition of Raw where the NWO (Hogan, Kevin Nash & Scott Hall) defeated Austin and The Rock.

Hulk Hogan News Coverage & Podcasts:

Eric Bischoff: Hulk Hogan ‘one of kindest & most generous people I have ever met’

Posted on by Josh Nason

Eric Bischoff — one of Hulk Hogan’s close friends and business partners for thirty years — talked about Hogan’s passing Thursday, something he said that still hasn’t sunk in.

In Las Vegas to shoot interviews for he and Hogan’s Real American Freestyle amateur wrestling promotion, Bischoff spoke to Fox News, saying he learned about Hogan’s death while watching the network.

“I have literally been on the phone or responding to texts and emails ever since. It has not truly sunk in yet,” he said.

Asked about what people should know about Hogan, Bischoff said an important thing to understand is that Terry Bollea was different than the Hogan character.

“He was kind and generous to a fault. He was loyal. He had a big heart and until you got to know Terry Bollea, you were overwhelmed by Hulk Hogan and that was his life. But, he was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met,” he said.

The two began working together when Bischoff brought Hogan to WCW in 1994. Hogan left the company in July 2000 with Bischoff departing a month earlier, ending an abbreviated return after Bischoff had been initially let go in September 1999. The two worked together in TNA for a number of years as well on outside projects with Real American Freestyle being the last.

Hulk Hogan News Coverage & Podcasts:

VIDEO: Bryan Alvarez talks to ABC News on the passing of Hulk Hogan

Posted on by F4W Staff

Our Bryan Alvarez talked to ABC News on Thursday about the passing of Hulk Hogan, the video of which can be found below.

Hulk Hogan News Coverage & Podcasts:

Daily Update: Hulk Hogan, Our Lady Peace, Will Ospreay

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This week’s issue is one of the biggest of the year when it comes to major shows and we have one our biggest issues of the year out:

  • Full coverage of All In Texas including why matches ended the way they did, business numbers, lots of injury updates, booking notes on the top matches,  PPV numbers, gate, merch, history of Texas stadium shows, complaints about the length and why, interest level comparisons with WWE this week and the past month, next head-to-head and more
  • Bill Goldberg’s retirement, his comments, a look into the ratings of the show, WWE side of the story, what could have been done differently, Seth Rollins angle looked at, SummerSlam card revealed, how to accurately look at the numbers and more.
  • WWE Evolution, early numbers, booking thoughts.
  • Great American Bash and competition wth All In.
  • ROH Supercard of Honor featuring an incredible main event
  • Dragon Gate has its biggest show of the year
  • The life and times of the Amazing Kung Fu on the death of Eddie Hamill and his influence on how babyfaces in the U.K. work
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for all the wrestling television shows this past week, with demo, comparisons with last year and quarters.
  • A look at the CMLL anniversary show
  • MJF heading to Mexico to challenge for title
  • Arena Mexico has trios match with young wrestlers that was super
  • Alberto turns face in AAA
  • G-1 Climax first week news
  • Celebrity returns to Japanese rings
  • MMA legends do pro wrestling title match
  • Cowboy Bob Ellis and the Hall of Fame
  • Tokyo Joshi Pro in the U.S.
  • Slammiversary is TNA’s  biggest event in years
  • Update on lawsuit against AEW
  • Tony Khan talks a number of subjects after All In
  • The story behind the Dralisico & Dragon Lee win over FTR in Mexico and what happened next
  • Advance ticket sales for WWE & AEW upcoming shows
  • Dana White talks about White House show for next year
  • MMA champion shot five times this past week
  • Randy Couture update
  • Business of Taylor vs. Serrano
  • Lawsuit involving Real American Beer
  • Stratus talks Evolution
  • SummerSlam advances

This Week’s Back Issue

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Thursday Update

WWE

  • Madison Square Garden expressed its sadness at the death of Hulk Hogan: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of WWE Hall of Famer, Hulk Hogan, who made his debut at Madison Square Garden in 1979.”
  • TMZ reports that, while Hogan and his daughter Brooke were estranged at the time of his passing, Brooke feels grateful that she got to tell her father “I love you” during the last conversation they had in 2023:
    • Sources close to Brooke tell TMZ … she learned of her dad’s death Thursday morning when her brother, Nick, texted her husband to share the news. We’re told the father-daughter relationship had been fractured for some time — the result of a culmination of issues over the years and how Hulk treated Brooke.
    • We’re told Brooke feels lucky and grateful she got to say ‘I love you’ during their last conversation, and she feels at peace knowing she did everything she could to protect and support him.
  • Ric Flair spoke to TMZ about Hogan’s passing.
  • Eric Bischoff tweeted: “Thanks for the house Hulkster.”
  • “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase posted a video paying tribute to Hogan.
  • The Hollywood Reporter has an article on how Hogan helped pave the way for other wrestlers to become Hollywood stars.
  • The Undertaker tweeted about his segment with Trick Williams from NXT: “[Tuesday] night wasn’t your night @_trickwilliams, but the future is there for your taking. It was a pleasure sharing the ring with you, now go get yours young man…just leave my LFG team alone!”
  • Shawn Michaels joined Undertaker & Michelle McCool on Six Feet Under this week.
  • Jelly Roll appeared on a new episode of Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast.
  • Our Lady Peace has re-recorded their song “Whatever” – which was Chris Benoit’s theme music – and is donating the proceeds to suicide prevention initiatives:
    • It’s been [18] years since the tragic events surrounding WWE wrestler Chris Benoit and the theme song we wrote for him. 
    • We feel that enough time has passed that it was necessary to  to re-record ‘Whatever’ to help shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. 
    • We’re donating all monies earned from streaming ‘Whatever’ to suicide prevention initiatives across North America.
  • Bronson Reed was the guest on this week’s edition of Celtic Warrior Workouts with Sheamus.
  • Logan Paul uploaded a new episode of his vlog.
  • WWE ranked Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H from SummerSlam 2002 as the seventh greatest match in SummerSlam history:
    • 25. Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar (2023)
    • 24. Seth Rollins vs. John Cena title vs. title match for the WWE Championship and United States Championship (2015)
    • 23. The Undertaker vs. Bret Hart for the WWF Championship (1997)
    • 22. Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins for the Universal Championship (2019)
    • 21. Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship (2022)
    • 20. Randy Orton vs. Christian no holds barred match for the World Heavyweight Championship (2011)
    • 19. Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker (2015)
    • 18. Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk TLC match for the World Heavyweight Championship (2009)
    • 17. Steve Austin vs. Kurt Angle for the WWF Championship (2001)
    • 16. Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero ladder match (2005)
    • 15. Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman for the Universal Championship (2017)
    • 14. The Rock vs. Triple H ladder match for the Intercontinental title (1998)
    • 13. John Cena vs. CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship (2011)
    • 12. Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar Last Man Standing match for the WWE Championship (2023)
    • 11. John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship (2013)
    • 10. The Undertaker vs. Edge Hell in a Cell match (2008)
    • 9. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon ladder match for the Intercontinental title (1995)
    • 8. The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar for the Undisputed Championship (2002)
    • 7. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H unsanctioned street fight (2002)

Other Wrestling

  • Chris Jericho shared a remembrance of Hulk Hogan: “When I started in WCW, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my childhood heroes, then years later in WWE, I had a blast with him entertaining millions…the same way he had entertained me for many years. Thank you for everything Hulkster…you paved the way for all of us. Please Say your prayers and eat your vitamins everybody….you just never know.”
  • Will Ospreay, who is dealing with a neck injury, reiterated that he’s doing everything he can to return in time for Forbidden Door next month: “Thanks for all the love. I’ll do everything they need to make sure I’m fit and healthy for Forbidden Door. No promises, I can only go as quick as the healing process. But as said everyone is confident I’ll be good.”
  • Glacier appeared on AEW Unrestricted this week.
  • Priscilla Kelly (former WWE wrestler Gigi Dolin) was a guest on Saraya’s Rulebreakers podcast.

JNPO: The Lapsed Fan grapples with Hulkamania

Posted on by Josh Nason

Jack & JP from The Lapsed Fan were supposed to come onto Josh Nason’s Punch-Out Thursday to plug their upcoming live show during SummerSlam Sunday in New York City.

Then, two hours before we were set to record, the world learned of the passing of Hulk Hogan. So, we pivoted.

On this edition of the show, the three Js talk about their thoughts about Hogan who became so much of a character on TLF podcasts and live shows, how history may view him, bigger thoughts on mortality, and an appeared by Lapsed Vince giving his thoughts in something you won’t want to miss.

We wrapped things up talking about the SS live show and why it made sense when WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas didn’t.

Click here to listen (no sub needed)

Real American Freestyle gives update on plans after death of Hulk Hogan

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Real American Freestyle plans to continue on despite the death of one of its founders.

Following Hulk Hogan’s passing, Real American Freestyle issued a statement today paying tribute to him and saying that it intends to honor Hogan’s legacy by moving forward with the launch of the organization. Hogan was slated to be the commissioner of Real American Freestyle and was one of the public faces of the group along with Eric Bischoff and amateur wrestling coach Izzy Martinez.

“Today 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,” Real American Freestyle wrote. “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.”

Real American Freestyle’s mission is to offer amateur wrestling stars the chance to pursue professional careers in the sport. It will debut with its first event taking place in Cleveland on August 30 and airing on the streaming service Fox Nation.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hulk Hogan, who single-handedly shaped the world of professional wrestling and inspired millions around the world,” Fox Nation President Lauren Petterson told TMZ. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and his many fans.”

Hogan, 71, passed away of cardiac arrest this morning following complications from a May neck surgery.

Donald Trump, Linda McMahon pay tribute to Hulk Hogan

Posted on by Josh Nason

United States President Donald Trump and Linda McMahon were the latest big names to pay tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, following Vince McMahon and many from the wrestling industry including Sting, Triple H, Kevin Nash, and Kurt Angle.

Hogan passed away Thursday at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Florida home.

He famously appeared at the 2024 Republican National Convention to cut a promo in supporting Trump in his third run for the presidency.

Trump, a WWE Hall of Famer, posted the following on social media Thursday:

“We lost a great friend today, the “Hulkster.” Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!“

McMahon, a Trump cabinet member and head of the Department of Education, posted the following on X:

Vince McMahon responds to Hulk Hogan’s death: ‘The world lost a treasure today’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In a rare public statement, Vince McMahon responded to the death of Hulk Hogan on Thursday.

The statement was posted to McMahon’s X/Twitter account after news broke this morning that Hogan had passed away of cardiac arrest at 71 years old. McMahon praised Hogan as a trailblazer, the consummate performer, and the greatest WWE Superstar of all time.

“The world lost a treasure today,” McMahon said. “Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.

“His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled – and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.

“He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, ‘Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.’ Today, we pray for him.”

McMahon and Hogan will always be linked together as the two driving forces of the WWF’s rise to nationwide prominence in the 1980s. They even had a match against each other at WrestleMania XIX in 2003 with a storyline based on whether McMahon or Hogan deserves more credit for WWE’s success.

Hogan underwent neck surgery this May and had been dealing with health complications in the weeks before passing away.

There have only been a few public statements from McMahon since he resigned from WWE and its parent company TKO Group Holdings in January 2024 after a lawsuit had been filed against him by former WWE employee Janel Grant. That lawsuit, which is still ongoing, accuses the 79-year-old McMahon of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.

Florida police release statement on death of Hulk Hogan

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Police in Clearwater, Florida have released a statement on the passing of Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), confirming that his death was due to cardiac arrest.

TMZ first reported that the 71-year-old wrestling legend — who had been battling health issues following neck surgery in May — passed away this morning. Fire and police personnel responded to Hogan’s Clearwater home at 9:51 a.m. following a medical-related call. Hogan was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach,” the police statement said. “The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.”

Hogan’s time of death was 11:17 a.m. Eastern.

A press conference was held today where police said they are conducting a standard death investigation, but there is no sign of foul play or suspicious activity.

Police said they are providing Hogan’s family with necessary resources, and they strongly encourage everyone to keep Hogan’s family in their thoughts and respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

At the press conference, police did not answer questions but said they will provide more information as it becomes available going forward.

WWE, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Ric Flair, and Kevin Nash are among those who have paid their respects to Hogan with social media tributes today.

WWE, Triple H, Ric Flair, Sting, others react to Hulk Hogan’s death

Posted on by Josh Nason

The wrestling world is reacting to the passing of all-time legend Hulk Hogan who died Thursday morning, reportedly due to cardiac arrest.

Some of the various tweets from notable personalities from the wrestling world can be found below with more to come later.

Hogan’s passing found its way into news coverage due to his pop culture status as well as political coverage given his appearance at last year’s Republican National Convention. His past issues with racial comments has also resulted in mixed reactions with some celebrating his death on social media.

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WWE tweeted that “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.”

Longtime friend and opponent Ric Flair said Hogan “has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business,” calling him an incredible friend and was one of the first to visit him in the hospital when he had a “2% chance of living.”

WWE COO Paul “Triple H” Levesque: “WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea. 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. Hulk Hogan, clad in red and yellow or nWo black and white, was simply put, iconic. As a Real American or the leader of one of the industry’s biggest factions, he transcended and elevated the entire business to heights never before seen – in every country and on every continent. 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.”

John Cena posted a picture of Hogan and Andre The Giant on Instagram.

Sting: “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”

Estranged friend and former ally Brutus Beefcake tweeted, “Through the good times and the bad, I always loved my brother Terry! I am devastated by the loss of my friend, I only wish we had time to mend our broken friendship before his passing. Until I see you Brother, in the big squared circle in the sky! I love you #hulkhogan #RIP“

Kevin Nash: “I lost another brother. Icon doesn’t even touch it. Rest in power my friend. NWO 4 Life….and beyond.”

Flair’s daughter and WWE star Charlotte Flair tweeted “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.”

AEW commentator and former WCW commentator Tony Schiavone tweeted “Say what you want about Hulk Hogan, but his impact on pro wrestling is undeniable. RIP Hulkster. The end of an era.”

JBL tweeted “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. RIP legend. There will never be another. Hulkamania never dies.”

Jake Paul: “What the f*ck brother! RIP Legend. Always appreciated your kind words and encouragement. Hulk Hogan brought WWE to the masses globally. Rest easy”

Kane: “Hulk Hogan was a true legend. I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I’d practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up. #RIPHULKHOGAN“

Podcaster Conrad Thompson tweeted that “Hulk Hogan was the reason I fell in love with wrestling. Thank you for the memories. I’ll pray for peace and contentment for your family.”

Matt Hardy: “RIP Hulk Hogan. Terry Bollea was the first mainstream megastar in pro wrestling. He was the face of sports entertainment & elevated pro wrestling to a whole new level. I had the opportunity to work with Hulkster a few times over the years & enjoyed my interactions with him. My thoughts & condolences are with his family, friends & fans, especially his children.”

Jake “The Snake” Roberts tweeted: “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.”

Kurt Angle: “R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the business including myself. There would not be a Kurt Angle, without the American Made, Hulk Hogan. My heart and prayers go out to his family. We lost a real icon today.”

Turki Alashikh: “Condolences to my dear friend Hulk Hogan, who sadly passed away today at 71. Will never forget the magic of seeing him up close in person at WrestleMania IX when I was 12. Hulk unlocked wrestling’s great success and he will never be forgotten. Well wishes to his family.”

TNA president Carlos Silva tweeted that “I am saddened to learn of the passing of pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. Hogan’s name was synonymous with professional wrestling, transcending the industry to become an American pop culture fixture. My condolences go out to his fans, friends and family. Rest in peace.”

Undertaker: “The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”