Hulk Hogan
Credit: Instagram/@hulkhogan
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24 at the age of 71.
Known for his bleach-blond mustache, the mahogany-tanned behemoth became the face of professional wrestling in the 1980s, helping transform the mock combat from a seedy spectacle into family-friendly entertainment worth billions of dollars.
As news of Hogan's demise spread, who's who from the world of sports entertaiment paid tributes to the legend.
WWE, of course, was among the first, and acknowledged Hogan's contribution to its success.
US President Donald Trump, who was loudly endorsed by Hogan, also paid tributes, which the White House promptly shared.
WWE co-star and Hollywood actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson shared a video on Instagram in tribute to the late wrestler, writing, "Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan. To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero - myself included."
"In 1984, I gave you your 'HULKSTER' headband back, in the locker room in Madison Square Garden - I was the lucky kid caught it when you threw it in the crowd. 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. And that meant the world to that little 12 year-old boy," The Rock added.
The Rock wasn't the only one. Tributes poured in from the entire wrestling community, with many legendary names joining in.
The Undertaker, another legendary WWE star, posted on X, "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."
Tag-team duo Shawn Michaels and Triple H also heaped high praise on Hogan, highlighting Hogan's contribution to making WWE the behemoth that it is today.
"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," wrote Triple H, which Michaels reposted.
"A legend. A larger-than-life presence. Hulk Hogan didn’t just work in this business… he transformed it. Rest in peace, Hulkster," wrote Michaels.
Hollywood star John Cena of Suicide Squad fame, in his signature style, posted a photo of Hogan with no caption.
Kane, another cult WWE star, wrote, "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," sharing a video on X.
Several other notable wrestlers including Kurt Angle, Sting, and Ric Flair also paid tributes to Hogan.
"HULK HOGAN - THE GREATEST OF ALL," wrote Sting, while Kurt Angle said, "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."