Reactions Pour In After Death of Pro Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan: ‘One of the First People I Ever Truly Admired’
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Social media was awash with tributes to pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan on Thursday shortly after reports of his death at 71.
Hogan’s death was first reported Thursday morning by TMZ. According to the outlet, he died of cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, just hours earlier. Included in the report was bystander footage of paramedics giving the retired wrestler chest compressions before loading him into an ambulance to receive further care.
On X, Vice President JD Vance recalled Hogan’s role in his childhood.
“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” Vance said. “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.”
Much of the outpouring of support came from prominent conservative figures. Hogan was famously a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and even spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2024.
Others referenced Hogan’s status as a cultural icon in the late 20th century, recalling the impact he had when they were younger.
Fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair also took to social media to share kind words about his former ringmate.
“Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business,” Flair said. “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!”
Not everyone spoke fondly of Hogan after his passing, however. The former wrestling great received significant backlash for his support of the president, and his legacy had already taken a hit when he repeatedly used racist slurs in response to his daughter dating a Black man.
Because of this, others were not as kind upon hearing Thursday’s news.
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