Hulk Hogan dead at 71: US President Trump, Stallone pay tribute to 'great American icon'

For those who grew up in the 1980s and 90s — long before the UFC came into existence — the WWF (World Wrestling Federation) was the in thing for kids.

Watching those muscular men, dressed in colorful outfits, battle it out in the ring was at the top of the after-school entertainment list. And collecting those famous WWF cards featuring different wrestlers was a must — just so you could brag to your friends. WWF has now morphed into (WWE World Wrestling Entertainment).

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And for those kids who grew up at that time, it came as a shock when news of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan's death filtered in, on Thursday.

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The WWE Hall of Famer, who fought the likes of The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Owen Hart, and many others during his heyday, passed away at his home in Florida at the age of 71.

Hulk, who also dipped his feet into Hollywood—starring alongside Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III — is most famous for his iconic words in the ring and his trademark shirt-ripping.

As news of his passing came in, leading personalities paid tribute to the man.

'Great friend'

US President Donald Trump paid tribute to late wrestling legend, who had supported his return to the White House, as a "great friend" and "MAGA all the way."

"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," Trump said on social media.

Hogan and 'Rocky' Stallone

Hogan not just shared screen space with legendary actor Sylvester Stallone in the 1982 sports drama Rocky III, but also held his own.

And Stallone, the Rambo star, recalled meeting Hogan when he was a sprightly 26-year-old.

"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…" Stallone wrote on Instagram.

US Vice-President JD Vance said Hogan was a "great American icon."

"Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. 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," Vance said in a post on X.

In 2024, Hogan had appeared at the Republican National Convention to endorse the Presidential bid of Trump.

US President's son Donald Trump Jr said in a post on X: "R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN."

Media personality Piers Morgan said Hogan was a "far gentler" man in person.

"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," Morgan posted on X.

Republican Anna Paulina Lina said the "legend of Hulkamania will run wild forever."

"RIP to the great Hulk Hogan, who lived right here in FL-13. It was an honor to be your Representative. Gone, but the legend of Hulkamania will run wild forever," Anna wrote on X.

(With inputs from AFP)