Clearwater: One of professional wrestling's greatest icons has passed away. Hulk Hogan, the headscarf-wearing superstar with a distinctive moustache who defined an era of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), died at the age of 71, Florida police and WWE confirmed on Thursday, according to ESPN.
Hulk Hogan suffered cardiac arrest on Thursday morning in Clearwater, Florida, and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Terry Bollea was his actual name. He was the face of WWE's initial worldwide success, headlining the very first WrestleMania in 1985. Hogan was constantly in the thick of the action, from spectacular feuds with Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to sharing the ring with The Rock and even former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Hogan won at least six WWE titles during the years and was suitably inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
WWE tweeted a heartfelt message honoring the legend.
WWE is devastated to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has died.
Hogan is one of pop culture's most renowned people, having helped WWE attain worldwide prominence in the 1980s.
WWE expresses condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans.
Since the news broke, the wrestling world has been paying tribute to him, with one of the most poignant comments coming from his long-time buddy and competitor, Ric Flair.
I Am Absolutely Heartbroken to learn about the death of my close friend @HulkHogan! Hulk has been at my side since we began our wrestling careers. A wonderful 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 while I was hospitalized with a 2% chance of survival, and he prayed by my bedside. Hulk also lent me money when Reid became ill. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace, my friend!
WWE star Charlotte Flair recalled Hogan's support during one of the most difficult times in her life.
Hulk Hogan was one of the few individuals who stood by me eight years ago when I nearly lost my father.
My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke.
Rest in peace, brother.
John Cena, another WWE superstar, paid homage by posting an iconic image from WrestleMania 3, a moment etched in wrestling history in which Hogan bodyslammed the 500-pound Andre the Giant in front of a cheering audience.
Hulk Hogan helped turn professional wrestling into a global spectacle with his appeal, memorable catchphrases, and unrivaled presence. He was more than simply a performer to admirers of all generations; he was larger than life.
