The wrestling world recently mourned a colossal loss. Hulk Hogan, a name known around the globe, passed away at 71 years old. The legendary wrestler, whose real name was Terry Bollea, suffered a cardiac arrest at his home on Thursday, July 24. Clearwater Police Department confirmed he was taken to a local hospital, where he was later declared dead.
Just one day after this sad news, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) paused to honor the iconic star. On Friday, July 25, the Friday Night SmackDown show, held at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, became a heartfelt tribute.
A Grand Farewell on SmackDown
The evening began with WWE’s content chief, Paul Levesque, also known by his wrestling name Triple H, standing in the ring. He wasn’t alone. The entire SmackDown cast surrounded him, alongside many WWE legends. Familiar faces like Jimmy Hart, Ted DiBiase, Sgt. Slaughter, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan joined in the solemn moment.
Levesque, 55, spoke to the gathered crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, yesterday we lost one of the biggest, most globally recognized icons,” he said. He shared his personal connection, describing Hogan as someone he watched growing up. Levesque was lucky enough to share a wrestling ring with him and, like many others, proudly called him a friend. He noted Hogan’s power to captivate and inspire millions worldwide. Levesque made it clear: the wrestling community, standing together that night, owed much to Hogan.
After Levesque’s moving words, the arena went quiet for a special ten-bell salute. The Cleveland audience then started chanting "Hogan!" loudly. As their voices filled the air, a video montage began playing, showing highlights from the wrestler’s long and celebrated career.
Hogan’s Enduring Legacy
Hogan first joined WWE back in November 1979. Over the decades, his connection with the company grew strong, though it saw both great highs and challenging moments. He was one of professional wrestling’s most famous and beloved figures. His last appearance on WWE programming was in January. He was in Los Angeles for the debut of Raw on Netflix.
News of his passing brought a flood of tributes from top names in wrestling. They remembered his huge impact and unique presence.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 53, called Hogan his "childhood hero" in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, July 25. He fondly remembered their classic match at WrestleMania X8.
When you rise up from my Rock Bottom finisher—just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC… all for you. I’d never felt anything like it in my entire wrestling career. It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all you. You may have “passed the torch” to me that… pic.twitter.com/TheRock/status/1948703132877304080
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 25, 2024
Johnson wrote that their match was to decide "who would go down in history as the greatest of all time." He described the crowd’s reaction when Hogan recovered from his finishing move, Rock Bottom. He felt the crowd become "ELECTRIC… all for you." Johnson admitted he had "never felt anything like it in my entire wrestling career." He added that while it takes two to dance, "that historic crowd reaction was all you." He recognized that Hogan might have "passed the torch" that night, but Hogan, as his friend, "filled the house, meaning you filled every arena and stadium in the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way to becoming the greatest of all time."
Paul Levesque, 55, also took to social media, saying that no one "weighed more" than Hogan.
There was nobody like The Hulkster and it’s likely there will never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/TripleH/status/1948437557513257178
— Triple H (@TripleH) July 24, 2024
He called Hogan "the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar.’" Hogan was a "global sensation" who inspired millions to work hard for their goals. His image made him recognizable to fans everywhere. Levesque firmly stated, "There was nobody like The Hulkster and it’s likely there will never be another." He concluded by extending his family’s condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.
WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker, 60, also expressed his sorrow online. He famously defeated Hogan for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series in 1991.
The world of wrestling has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am grateful. Thank you, Hulk Hogan. pic.twitter.com/undertaker/status/1948446280407224329
— The Undertaker (@undertaker) July 24, 2024
The Undertaker wrote, "The world of wrestling has lost a true legend." He added that Hogan’s contributions to the business were "immeasurable" and that he was grateful for them. He simply ended his message with, "Thank you, Hulk Hogan."