Hulk Hogan tributes latest: Donald Trump and John Cena share messages to WWE legend after death aged 71

Hogan joined WWE (then known as World Wrestling Federation) on a full-time basis in 1983. He won his first WWF championship from The Iron Sheik, the following year.

For much of the next decade, Hulkamania — the term given to define the popularity surrounding Hogan — ran wild, as wrestling fans everywhere became enchanted by the blonde behemoth’s signature red and yellow costume, impossible build, and magnetic personality. He main-evented a string of WrestleManias, including the iconic WrestleMania III, which saw the Hulkster body slam long-time rival Andre the Giant in front of a crowd of around 80,000 in the Pontiac Silverdome.

A month before his death, rumors had been circulating that he was on his deathbed after undergoing a recent neck procedure.

His representative, however, debunked the chatter at the time, assuring fans that there were “no reasons to panic.”

“He just needs from time to time a medical check up,” the representative told The Independent in a statement, adding that the surgery had “indeed been successful.”

Over the years, Hogan has had a string of back surgeries and hip and shoulder replacements.

“I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last ten years. 10 of them were back surgeries,” he told Jake Paul on the IMPAULSIVE podcast in September 2024. “I’ve had 10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”

Hogan is survived by his two children, Brooke and Nick, whom he shared with his first ex-wife, Linda.

While Nick, 34, and his father appeared to have a strong relationship up until his Thursday death, 37-year-old Brooke and Hogan reportedly had a non-existent one.

In March, Brooke said she was no longer in contact with her mother or her father, explaining that she had “completely separate reasons for going no contact with each of my parents.”

She also blamed the WWE star for the family’s strained relationships.

However, shortly after Brooke went public with her claims, Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, reportedly said he wasn’t sure why his daughter wasn’t speaking to him.

“Terry not speaking to Brooke is [a] much more recent thing [than her not speaking to her mother],” a source told US Weekly.

The same source went on to say that Hogan “tells people he doesn’t specifically know why Brooke won’t speak to him.”

Brooke Hogan has reportedly been estranged from her parents for several years

Real American Freestyle CEO Chad Bronstein, who co-founded the new, unscripted freestyle wrestling league with Hogan and Eric Bischoff earlier this year, has vowed that the organization will continue honoring Hogan’s legacy.

“We lost our Commissioner. We lost a friend. And the sport of wrestling lost one of its greatest champions, not just in the ring, but in spirit,” said Bronstein in a statement shared with The Independent.

“Hulk Hogan believed wrestling was more than just entertainment. He saw it as a brotherhood, a proving ground and a platform for greatness. That’s what Real American Freestyle was built to be, a new stage for the toughest, most passionate athletes on Earth. And Hulk was at the center of it.”

He continued: “From day one, he threw his weight behind this league. He met with athletes. He watched tape, shared stories, and showed up like only he could. RAF was personal to him, something bigger than all of us.

“This league is part of his legacy, and we intend to honor it.”

Days before Hogan’s death, Fox News signed with RAF as its exclusive broadcast partner.

Even in the wake of Hogan’s death, RAF’s first event is still scheduled to make its debut on the network August 30.

There’s no question that Hulk Hogan, who has died aged 71, made an outsized impact not just on the world of wrestling but on popular culture at large — but not free from controversy.

Hogan was a wrestling icon, but he was never far from scandal, writes Kevin E G Perry

Were it not for Hulk Hogan, who died today at the age of 71, it is unlikely that professional wrestling would be the multibillion-dollar entertainment powerhouse it is today, Ryan Coogan writes in a special tribute for The Independent.

The charismatic strongman who helped form WWE into the multibillion-dollar juggernaut it is today, and whose later life was marred by controversy, has passed away at 71, writes Ryan Coogan

Retired NBA star Dennis Rodman has shared a series of photos on Instagram of unforgettable moments he shared with Hogan.

“N.W.O. 4 Life Brother @hulkhogan Always and Forever Thank you for the Memories we Created History Great Friend indeed,” Rodman, 64, captioned his post. “Keep his family in prayers.”

Alongside a photo of the pair in Rocky III, Stallone wrote on Instagram: “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…”

YouTube turned boxer Jake Paul thanked Hogan for his support, writing on X: “What the f*** brother! RIP Legend. Always appreciated your kind words and encouragement. Hulk Hogan brought WWE to the masses globally. Rest easy.”