WWE star Hulk Hogan passed away on Thursday at the age of 71. According to reports, Hogan died due to cardiac arrest. Widely regarded as the biggest wrestling star of all time, Hogan played an important role in transforming WWE into the global entertainment powerhouse it is today. His charisma, signature moves, and booming catchphrases turned him into a pop culture icon in the 1980s and 1990s, making him a household name far beyond the wrestling ring.

Who was Hulk Hogan?

“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 shared in a statement on X. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.” Hogan first joined the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979, briefly left, and returned to headline the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 alongside Mr. T. Throughout the 1990s, his star power extended to Hollywood, with roles in movies like Mr. Nanny and Suburban Commando.

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He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and again in 2020 as part of the New World Order (NWO). However, his image took a hit in 2015 when WWE terminated his contract and removed him from the Hall after a leaked tape revealed him using racist language. Though he was reinstated in 2018, many wrestlers, including The New Day and Titus O’Neil, expressed discomfort with his return. In later years, Hogan courted political controversy by appearing at Trump rallies and on the US election campaign trail. During his last WWE appearance, promoting his beer brand on Monday Night Raw, he was met with boos from the crowd, a stark contrast to the thunderous cheers he once received. Despite the controversies, fans across generations continue to honour Hogan’s influence on wrestling and entertainment.

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“RIP Legend”

Fans poured in their tribute across social media platforms. A fan wrote, “Who is still not able to accept that Hulk Hogan is no longer in this world?.” Another noted, “The Immortal Hulk Hogan has taken his final bump… but legends don’t tap out — they live forever in the pop of the crowd. Rest easy, brother. The ring just lost its loudest roar. “

A third wrote, “Man this hits so hard. We grew up watching this man define what wrestling is today. Our childhood has lost another icon.” “The one the Only the greatest sporting wrestler of all time. Stronger fitter braver smarter funnier and more extreme than any wrestler will ever be in our history . Godspeed King Say hello to Ozzy when you are up in heaven for us all,” added another.

Meanwhile, another fan stated, “We grew up flexing in the mirror, tearing imaginary shirts, saying our prayers and taking our vitamins. Rest in peace, Hulkster. A true legend.” “Without Hogan there is no WWE. Wether you like him or hate him you cannot deny what he did for the business to make it stand where it stands today. Did he do some awful things? Sure im not denying that but he put the business on the map,” wrote a user.

“Hulk hogan was the person who globalized the wwe. WWE hall of fame will always be cherished by his viewers,” tweeted a fan. Another user wrote, “In loving memory of Hulk Hogan. Thank you for the memories.” A fan added, “Hulk Hogan.. Made my childhood special.. RIP Champ.”