Sports World Mourns Death of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan

Hogan died on Thursday at the age of 71.

Hulk Hogan died on Thursday at 71. / Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Thursday, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan died at the age of 71.

One of the most famous professional wrestlers of all time, Hogan joined WWE (known then as WWF) in 1979 and was instrumental in popularizing the sport. He was a five-time champion in his first run and Hogan's match with Andre the Giant in 1988 remains the most-viewed wrestling match of all time. Appearing in numerous movies and televisions shows as well, Hogan wound up a notorious figure in American pop culture at large for decades leading up to his passing.

The sad news led to numerous tributes from figures around WWE and the sports world at large.

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.

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025

I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! 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… pic.twitter.com/rOWLakMjr4

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 24, 2025

Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock at WrestleMania 18 is still the greatest wrestling match of all time, to me.

Look at that crowd. It's what pro wrestling is all about. pic.twitter.com/g6azHXXzQk

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) July 24, 2025

Hulk Hogan's WWE Debut, Nov. 17, 1979.

RIP legend. pic.twitter.com/pBHeIfqk1O

— Funhouse (@BackAftaThis) July 24, 2025

I hope Hulk Hogan busts out of his casket at his funeral and does the thing at the end of a match where he makes an improbable comeback and wins pic.twitter.com/P8qMVibwuq

— Damin Toell (@damintoell) July 24, 2025

Impossible to describe what Hulk Hogan meant to kids like me as we grew up in the 1980s. He was every bit as big of an icon as Michael Jackson, Madonna, or any other pop culture figure at the time. Larger than life. RIP Brother pic.twitter.com/GUcXG2ZlWX

— Tom Sileo (@TSileo) July 24, 2025

What’s considered the greatest heel turn of all time:

Hulk Hogan’s turn at Bash At The Beach

Rest in Peace to a wrestling icon
pic.twitter.com/l11nFlJJGm

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 24, 2025

Playing Voodoo Child (Slight Return) loudly for the legend Hulk Hogan today. RIP. pic.twitter.com/k844HHPpTC https://t.co/DZvvN5CNsf

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 24, 2025

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.

— Carlos… pic.twitter.com/BYNS6YeA6C

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) July 24, 2025

One of the most iconic sports and cultural moments of all time. Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant belongs in the Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/Iee6rmQcq3

— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) July 24, 2025

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