Worldmourns as Hulk Hogan passes away, prompting Vince McMahon to express condolences, stating that "a treasure of the world has been lost."
In a poignant moment for the world of professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan, the megastar who transcended the ring and became a global phenomenon, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71.
Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, developed into a superstar in the following years after joining the WWF (now WWE) in 1984, recruited by Vince McMahon, one of the most instrumental figures in his rise. Hogan was loved and admired around the world, often heard uttering his favorite expression, "Train, take your vitamins, and say your prayers."
Hogan's grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled, and he gave everything he had to the audience. He was described as the greatest WWE Superstar of all time, a trailblazer who was the first performer to transition from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.
However, Hogan's career was not without its ups and downs. In 2015, after his racist comments were made public, McMahon temporarily banned Hogan from WWE. The duo had a falling out when Hogan testified against McMahon in a 1993 trial. Yet, McMahon ultimately brought Hogan back to WWE.
Vince McMahon, a WWE honcho, posted a tribute for Hulk Hogan on Thursday. McMahon, who faced controversy due to allegations of distributing steroids to wrestlers in the 1990s, denied any wrongdoing but resigned from WWE's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, when a lawsuit was filed against him by former WWE employee Janel Grant in January 2024, alleging sexual assault and trafficking.
Despite these events, Hulk Hogan's impact on the world of professional wrestling and beyond will never be forgotten. His legacy as a trailblazer and a global phenomenon will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in power, Hulk Hogan.
