Donald Trump issues moving statement as 'great' Hulk Hogan dies at 71

US President Donald Trumphas reacted to the news of legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan'sdeath. In a moving statement on Truth Social, Trump paid tribute to Hogan as he penned: "'We lost a great friend today, the “Hulkster". Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way - Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.

"He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,' Trump wrote, as he praised his 'absolutely electric speech' from the Republican 2024 National Convention.

"To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed," he concluded.

Vice President JD Vance also paid tribute to the famous wrestler as he wrote: "Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.

READ MORE: Hulk Hogan dead UPDATES: Tributes pour in for WWE icon as he dies age 71

"The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace."

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, publicly backed Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, electrifying the crowd as he waved an American flag before the former president’s speech.

Although Hogan had remained silent during Trump’s first campaign, he said the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania changed everything.

“What happened last week, when they took a shot at my hero, and they tried to kill the next president of the United States, enough was enough and I said let Trumpamania run wild brother” he declared, tearing off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top.

Hogan, who said he’s known Trump for over 35 years, reminisced about his early wrestling days at Trump’s hotel venues. “I just had a flashback man, this is really tripping,” he said. “You know the last time I was onstage Donald Trump was sitting ringside at Trump Plaza.”

WrestleMania was held near Trump Plaza in 1988 and 1989, and Hogan pointed to Trump’s earlier presidency as proof he'd "enforce the border and be tough on crime."

“So all you criminals, all you low-lifes, all you scumbags, all you drug dealers and all you crooked politicians need to answer one question for me. What you gonna do when Donald Trump and all the Trumpamaniacs run wild on you brother?” he shouted during a Milwaukee event.

At a Madison Square Garden rally shortly before the election, Hogan fired up the audience again. “You something Trumpmaniacs, I don't see no stinkin' Nazis in here, I don't see no stinkin' domestic terrorists in here, the only thing I see in here are a bunch of hard workin' men and women that are real Americans brother.”

He also showed up in D.C. for Trump’s inauguration, tearing his tuxedo sleeves at the Liberty Ball. “We have our country back” he exclaimed on Fox News. “We're going to get everything back to where it should be.”

Hogan's death was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in a statement on X which read: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.

“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

It has also been claimed by TMZ that medics were dispatched to the 71-year-old's home in Clearwater, Florida. The sad news comes just a few weeks after his wife, Sky, had to deny rumours he was in a coma.

Hogan is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest at his Florida home. It has been reported that medics were dispatched to Hulk's home in Clearwater, Florida, early on Thursday morning; it's understood operators stated it was a "cardiac arrest".

TMZ has reported that a flurry of police cars and emergency vehicles were parked outside the wrestling legend's home, and he was 'carried on a stretcher into an ambulance'.

The audio from the 911 call, as medics rushed to Hulk Hogan's home, has been shared. In the audio, obtained by TMZ, first responders can be heard explaining that a patient had gone into cardiac arrest.

Just weeks before Hulk's death, a representative for the WWE icon denied speculation he was gravely ill. In May, it was announced he'd undergone a small "fusion procedure" on his neck.

But in June, a YouTuber claimed that things were "not looking good" for him. Denying the speculation, a representative said that Hulk's surgery had been "successful" and there were "no reasons to panic." They added: "He just needs from time to time a medical check up."

Following his death, tributes have flooded in for the WWE legend. Taking to Instagram, Hollywood legend Sylvester shared a snap of himself and Hulk, who he appeared alongside in Rocky III in 1982.

The actor said: "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…"

Broadcaster Piers Morgan, who once interviewed Hulk, has also branded the WWE star the "most iconic" wrestler.

In a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: "RIP Hulk Hogan - the most iconic wrestler in history, a wonderful character, and in person, a far gentler, charming, intelligent man far removed from his snarling beast ring (and Rocky movie!) persona. Sad news."

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