Hulk Hogan Remembered by Sylvester Stallone, John Cena & More Following Sudden Death

Erin Maxwell July 24, 2025, 2:10 pm

WWF SMACKDOWN!, (aka WWE SMACKDOWN!), Hulk Hogan, 1999 — UPN/Courtesy Everett Collection

Sports fans and pop culture enthusiasts were shocked at the news of Hulk Hogan’s death, who at age 71, was found dead at age 71 due to cardiac arrest. The news came on July 24 at when TMZ Sports first reported the incident, stating that EMTs were called to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida on Thursday early morning.

Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, Hogan became the face of professional wrestling and served as its most recognizable spokesman for over 30 years. Best known for his in-ring charisma and larger-than-life persona, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice — once individually in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo (New World Order). He helped transform professional wrestling into mainstream, family-friendly entertainment as the top star of the WWF (now WWE) during the 1980s.

At the height of his popularity, Hogan not only headlined the World Wrestling Federation but also starred in a Saturday morning cartoon, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, and appeared in films such as Rocky III and No Holds Barred. In the 2000s, he starred in the reality show Hogan Knows Best (2005–2007) and became heavily involved in politics, even speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention, appearing on the final night before President Donald Trump’s address.

News of his untimely death came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike, many of whom took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to his life and legacy.

Hulk Hogan Dies: Wrestling Legend & 'Hogan Knows Best' Star Was 71

The WWE’s official X account posted: “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.”

Wrestling superstar-turned-actor John Cena posted just a simple picture on Instagram of Hulk Hogan in his prime, facing off against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III on March 29, 1987.

The match is best remembered for Hogan’s iconic body slam on Andre, which led to his victory and allowed him to retain the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.

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A post shared by John Cena (@johncena)

Sylvester Stallone honored Hogan in an Instagram post that read: “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…”

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A post shared by Sly Stallone (@officialslystallone)

Former WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon wrote on X: “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.”

Days before his passing, his ex-wife Linda reminisced about relationship with a throwback photo on Instagram captioned, “The good old days!”

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A post shared by Linda Hogan (@linda_hogan_)

Retired wrestling superstar The Undertaker paid tribute to Hogan on X: “The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative.”

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. pic.twitter.com/aV4gdTcq4S

— Undertaker (@undertaker) July 24, 2025

Former host of MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball and TV personality Riki Rachtman posted a picture on Instagram of himself in the ring with Hogan and gave thanks to the athlete: