Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has paid tribute to the late Hulk Hogan (Picture: George Pimentel/WireImage)

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has described Hulk Hogan as ‘the greatest of all time’ following his death at the age of 71.

News of the former world champion’s death, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was confirmed by his family to US Weekly yesterday.

Emergency services reportedly received a call about a ‘cardiac arrest’ before ambulances were sent to his home in Clearwater, Florida.

The WWE legend was one of the biggest names in the sport, and most recently worked as a brand ambassador for the company.

Following his death, numerous former wrestlers and celebrities, including Donald Trump, John Cena and Sylvester Stallone, honoured the wrestling legend.

Taking to X, The Rock wrote an emotional post saying: ‘Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan. To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero – myself included.

Dwayne Johnson is one of the biggest stars the WWE has ever produced (Picture: Getty)

‘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.

Hogan first began his wrestling career in 1971 (Picture: WWE via Getty Images)

Hogan’s final live appearance on WWE was on January 6 this year when he appeared on Monday Night Raw on Netflix (Picture: AFP)

‘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.’

Despite being at the centre of a sex trafficking scandal, WWE co-founder Vince McMahon also took to X to say: ‘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.

Vince McMahon was one of the first to pay tribute to the star (Picture: MediaPunch/ Shutterstock)

‘He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, “Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.” Today, we pray for him.’

Together with the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Donald Trump and Ric Flair, WWE star John Cena has led the tributes honouring the life of Hulk Hogan.

Sharing an image of the wrestler on his Instagram page, Cena chose an early image of Hulk Hogan fighting Andre the Giant.

Also taking to Instagram, Stallone wrote: ‘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…’

Hogan was rushed to hospital earlier today (Picture: Getty Images)

The wrestler was one of the biggest names in the sport (Picture: MediaPunch/Shutterstock)

Fellow wrestler Ric Flair wrote on X: ‘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!’

Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr wrote on social media: ‘R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN’

An official statement from the WWE also reads: ‘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.’

In an updated press conference, Major Nate Burnside from Clearwater Police said: ‘Just before 10 AM, Clearwater Police Department responded to a house in the 1000 block of El Dorado Avenue for a medical related call.

‘It was discovered at that time that Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was experiencing a serious medical related issue. Personnel provided medical treatment at that time and transported Mr. Bollea to Morton Plant Hospital, where he died at 11:17 AM.

‘The Clearwater Police Department is conducting a medical investigation, which is standard in these types of cases. There are no signs of foul play or suspicious activity related to this call for service at this time.’

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