WWE, Vince McMahon, Eric Bischoff, Donald Trump & Rest Of Pro Wrestling World Reacts To Hulk Hogan's Passing

Tributes have poured in from across the professional wrestling world following Hulk Hogan's passing at the age of 71 on Thursday, July 24. Hogan passed away following a "massive cardiac arrest" at his home in Clearwater, Florida.

WWE paid tribute to Hogan shortly after his passing, writing: "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."

Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, who has seldom posted on social media since resigning as TKO Executive Chairman in disgrace, also paid tribute to the man who helped launch WWE into a globally recognised brand.

McMahon wrote:

"The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.

"His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled - and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.

"He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, 'Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.' Today, we pray for him."

Hogan's long-time friend and former WCW Senior Vice President Eric Bischoff paid more of a light-hearted tribute to The Immortal One, simply writing: "Thanks for the house Hulkster."

WWE Hall of Famer and President of the United States Donald Trump wrote: "We lost a great friend today, the 'Hulkster.' Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way - Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. 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. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!"

Former WWE CEO and current United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, alongside a low-budget graphic, wrote: "I had the privilege of knowing and working with @HulkHogan Hogan for over 40 years. Hulk was a dear friend and member of our WWE family. His legacy in and out of the ring will always be remembered. He was one of a kind! My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, and all of his fans."

Hogan's former in-ring rival and long-time friend Ric Flair issued the following statement: "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 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!"

Sting penned: "HULK HOGAN - THE GREATEST OF ALL. Can't thank you enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans all over the world. I loved you and I will miss you. My friend, Terry Bollea, RIP."

Hogan's nWo stablemate Kevin Nash: "I lost another brother. Icon doesn't even touch it. Rest in power my friend. NWO 4 Life....and beyond."

Terry Bollea's close friend Jimmy Hart: "What can you say when losing a best friend. First to Hulk's family I love you. I am here for you all. Hulkster you always kept me close to you through everything it was an honor. We traveled the world back and forth. Wherever we went Hulkamania was ALIVE brother!! The fans always came out and we loved every minute of it. You made more people smile than I'll ever be able to count. Those are the memories I'll forever cherish. Thank you for a 4 decade ride. I will keep the Megaphone going, Red and Yellow will live on, legends never die Baby!!! I love you Terry. 'Hulkamania' FOREVER!!"

Hogan's WrestleMania 18 opponent The Rock: "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 wrestling 'Mr Wonderful', Paul Orndorff that night in the main event. 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. A month later in Madison Square Garden, you did just that. You kept your word, with a handshake and a 'thanks kid'. And that meant the world to that little 12 year old boy.

"Just 17 years later, and still a kid at the age of 29 years old - I'm standing in the middle of the ring and facing you - one of my wrestling heroes in the main event of WRESTLEMANIA. The match was to decide who would go down in history, as The Greatest of All Time. When you kick out of my Rock Bottom finisher - just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC…all for you. I've never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career. It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you. You may have 'passed the torch' to me that night, but you, my friend…. … you 'drew the house' meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time.

"From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and crazy world of professional wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and forever…Thank you for the house, brother…Thank you, for the house. RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan."

Steve Austin: "Hulk Hogan was born to be a Professional Wrestler. Larger than life. Charisma for days. He was in a stratosphere all on his own. His contributions are immense. His influence will be forever. Hulkamania lives on. My condolences to his family and loved ones."

WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H: "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."

Charlotte Flair: "When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother."

Estranged friend of Hulk Hogan, Brutus Beefcake: "Through the good times and the bad, I always loved my brother Terry! I am devastated by the loss of my friend, I only wish we had time to mend our broken friendship before his passing. Until I see you Brother, in the big squared circle in the sky! I love you."

Hogan's WrestleMania VII opponent Sgt. Slaughter: "Saddened To Hear About The Passing of Hulk Hogan…I Guess God Needed An Incredible Angel. R.I.P. My Friend."

Marc Mero: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan. Terry Gene Bollea - known to millions as Hulk Hogan - was more than an icon in the ring. He was a man with a big heart and a genuine desire to help others. He was a proud supporter of my school program, Champion of Choices, and was always willing to lend a hand - whether it was recording a promo to help us book school events or signing an autograph for a student who was hurting. One moment that speaks volumes about his character was when he took the time to personally call my friend, Delvis Franco, who was battling cancer, just to lift his spirits. I'll truly miss him. He was one of the greats - not just in professional wrestling, but in the way he treated people. Rest in peace, Hulkster. You'll always be remembered, brother."

Jake Roberts: "It's hard to put into words what Terry 'Hulk Hogan' Bollea meant to professional wrestling and entertainment. He may be gone, but his memory and legacy will live forever. RIP Hulkster."

The Undertaker: "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."

Kurt Angle: "R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the business including myself. 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."

The Miz: "When I was a kid I ate my vitamins, said my prayers because Hulk Hogan told me to. He was someone I looked up to; a larger-than-life presence I copied constantly growing up. The voice, flexing, charisma, he made you want to be bold, loud, confident. RIP, Hulk Hogan."

John "Bradshaw" Layfield: "One of the reasons I got into wrestling. Hulk was always so nice to me and was the one celebrity that wanted to see all the kids I brought over from Bermuda. RIP legend. There will never be another. Hulkamania never dies."

Tony Schiavone: "Say what you want about Hulk Hogan, but his impact on pro wrestling is undeniable. RIP Hulkster. The end of an era."

Glenn "Kane" Jacobs: "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."

Shawn Michaels: "A legend. A larger-than-life presence. Hulk Hogan didn't just work in this business… he transformed it. Rest in peace, Hulkster."

Matt Hardy: "RIP Hulk Hogan. Terry Bollea was the first mainstream megastar in pro wrestling. He was the face of sports entertainment & elevated pro wrestling to a whole new level. I had the opportunity to work with Hulkster a few times over the years & enjoyed my interactions with him. My thoughts & condolences are with his family, friends & fans, especially his children."

TNA President Carlos Silva: "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."

Taz: "Very sorry to hear of the passing of Hulk Hogan. During our time working together in WWE & TNA he was alway very nice to me. He was one of the major reason why the industry became mainstream years ago. Prayers with his family during this difficult time."

Chris Jericho: "When I started in WCW, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my childhood heroes, then years later in WWE, I had a blast with him entertaining millions…the same way he had entertained me for many years. Thank you for everything Hulkster…you paved the way for all of us. Please Say your prayers and eat your vitamins everybody….you just never know."

Madison Square Garden: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of WWE Hall of Famer, Hulk Hogan, who made his debut at Madison Square Garden in 1979."

The reaction to Hogan's passing amongst pro wrestling fans has been mixed. Many have paid tribute to Hulk Hogan the wrestler and the contributions he made to the industry, while his past racist comments also prompted some fans to celebrate Hogan's passing on social media.