Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71.
His star counterpart and good friend Ric Flair immediately released an emotional statement, grieving for his dear friend.
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend Hulk Hogan,” Flair wrote on X.
“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!”
Flair has been hospitalized a number of times in recent years due to various health issues, and revealed today that Hogan would show up and be there for him, even when it looked like the end was near.
The two stars helped revolutionize wrestling in the 1970s and 1980s, where they thrusted the WWE (back then known as the WWF) into the spotlight.
They had countless matches and feuds with one another inside the ring, but they remained good friends away from it.
Hogan passed away following a cardiac arrest on Thursday.
He was five years Flair’s junior and they essentially grew up together in the wrestling world.
Flair’s daughter, Charlotte, was also quick to respond to the tragic loss.
“When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan,” the younger Flair wrote on X.
“My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.”
Hundreds of tributes poured in for Hogan, including from notable wrestling figures, Kane and the Undertaker.
“Hulk Hogan was a true legend,” Kane wrote on X.
“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.”
“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,” wrote the Undertaker on X.
The WWE’s chief content officer Paul Levesque — otherwise known as Triple H — wrote a moving eulogy that reflected Hogan’s place in the pantheon of greats.
“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 posted on social media.
“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.”
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” added the WWE’s main account. “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.”
“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,” wrote broadcaster Piers Morgan on X.
Hogan leaves behind two children, Brooke and Nick, who were born during his 26-year marriage with Linda Claridge between 1983 and 2009.
Just four days ago, Linda shared a photo of her and Hulk with the caption: “The good old days!”