Hulk Hogan dies aged 71

Former WWE fighter was rumoured to be unwell earlier this year - Paul Kane

Hulk Hogan, one of the world’s most famous entertainment wrestlers and an enthusiastic Donald Trump supporter, has died at the age of 71.

Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest and emergency responders were called to his home in Clearwater, Florida, where they were unable to revive him, according to TMZ.

The former WWE fighter was rumoured to be unwell earlier this year, apparently suffering from neck problems.

Hogan emerged as a major supporter of Mr Trump during the election campaign, memorably ripping his shirt off at the Republican National Convention (RNC).

Hogan and Mr Trump in 1987 - Jeffrey Asher

Endorsing Mr Trump at the convention, Hogan said: “I’ve been in the ring with some of the biggest, some of the baddest dudes on the planet.

“I know tough guys, but let me tell you something, brother, Donald Trump is the toughest of them all.”

Hogan then ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance T-shirt while yelling: “Let Trumpmania run wild, brother!”

After the wrestler delivered his speech to the RNC, Mr Trump blew him a kiss from his seat.

“The Hulkster, how good is he,” Mr Trump responded.

In a statement, a WWE spokesperson said: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.

“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Vice-President JD Vance paid tribute to the late wrestler in a post on X. 

“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,” he wrote. 

“The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. 

“The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”

Hogan became famed for his flamboyant personality and impressive physique

Donald Trump Jr shared a picture of him and the wrestler on social media, writing: “RIP to a legend. Hulk Hogan” with several American flags.

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, paid tribute to him, writing: “RIP to Hulk Hogan... An American legend.”

Famed for his flamboyant personality and impressive physique, Hogan was one of the stars of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment. He ushered in the sports entertainment era in the 1980s.

Hogan won the WWF Championship five times and is known as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

He went on to headline WrestleMania, the WWF’s flagship television event, multiple times from 1985 onwards, making him the face of wrestling and bringing in millions of viewers.

Hogan holds Tony Atlas in a headlock - Wally McNamee

Hogan had a long and at times fractious relationship with Linda McMahon, Mr Trump’s education secretary, who ran the WWE along with her husband, Vince.

Hogan first became acquainted with Mr Trump during his wrestling days. Mr Trump was heavily involved in the entertainment sport during the late 1980s and twice hosted WrestleMania at his casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

In 2015, Hogan was let go by WWE after a video from 2008 emerged of him using a racist slur. At the time, the wrestling company said it had terminated its contract with him, although it did not give a specific reason.

His name was initially removed from the WWE hall of fame but was later restored.

Hogan told People magazine at the time: “Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologise for having done it.”

In November, Hogan floated the idea that Mr Trump might appoint him to run the president’s council on sports, fitness and nutrition (PCSFN). The council is a federal advisory committee providing health advice to Americans.

Hogan was let go by the WWE in 2008 after a video emerged of him using a racial slur - dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock Photo

Following his retirement from wrestling, Hogan pursued a career in acting and went on to dabble in politics.

He appeared in Rocky III in 1982 and starred in several film and television shows, including a reality series that focused on his home life with his then-wife, Linda, and their children Brooke and Nick.

He is also known for putting his name to various lines of merchandise including microwavable “Hulkster burgers” sold at Walmart.

Hogan was baptised in Florida in December last year and was pictured after the ceremony dressed all in white, wearing one of his trademark bandannas.

Accompanied by his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, who also participated in the baptism, Hogan reflected on how the ceremony made him the “Real Main Event”.

He wrote on X: “The training, prayers, and vitamins kept me in the game, but now that I am one with God, the main event theme of surrender, service, and love makes me the Real Main Event that can slam any giant of any size through the power of my Lord and Saviour. And so it is, even now, brother, AMEN!”

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