Stars pay tribute following Hulk Hogan’s death: The Undertaker, Triple H, Ric Flair, Sylvester Stallone and more

News of wrestler Hulk Hogan’s death has prompted tributes from across the world of entertainment and sport, with the WWE legend, whose career spanned more than four decades, remembered for his charisma both inside and outside the ring.

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died at the age of 71 on Thursday morning (Jul 24) after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, with emergency services called to the scene before he was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.

Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone, 78, shared a photo of himself with Hogan on Instagram, taken from their time filming Rocky III in 1982.

Hogan appeared in the film as wrestler Thunderlips in one of his first major screen roles.

Stallone wrote: “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 III incredibly special. My heart breaks [when] I think that he’s gone.”

Retired wrestler Ric Flair, 75, expressed shock at the news and described his decades-long friendship with Hogan.

Flair wrote: “I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend Hulk Hogan! Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me.

“He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a two per cent chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside. Hulk also lent me money when [my son] Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace, my friend!”

Actress Brooke Shields, 59, also remembered Hogan with a photo of the two playfully wrestling on the set of Suddenly Susan, a sitcom that aired in the late 90s.

“Rest easy, Hulk,” she wrote. “This moment and his entire guest episode on Suddenly Susan was a true highlight. Sending love to all of his loved ones today.”

Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon said in a rare statement: “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. His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved. He leaves us with one of his favourite expressions: ‘Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.’ Today, we pray for him.”

The Undertaker, 60, said on X: “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.”

WWE chief content officer and former wrestler Triple H wrote on Instagram: “WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring. And few, if any, loomed larger than Terry 'Hulk Hogan' Bollea.

“He was the archetype of what it meant to be a Superstar – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognisable to fans around the world.

“Hulk Hogan, clad in red and yellow or NWO black and white, was simply put, iconic. As a Real American or the leader of one of the industry’s biggest factions, he transcended and elevated the entire business to heights never before seen, in every country and on every continent.

“There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”