“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,’ President Donald Trump said Thursday, reacting to news of the sudden death of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.
The 71 year-old Hogan (born Terry Bollea) died earlier in the day in Florida after being rushed to the hospital for an apparent cardiac arrest. Hogan had undergone heart surgery in recent weeks.
“Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” Trump wrote in a message on social media, referring to his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, of which Hogan was a supporter.
“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the [2024] Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week,” Trump wrote, recalling how Hogan’s customary over-the-topic theatrics and comments promoting “Trumpamania” drew pro-America chants and cheers.
HULK HOGAN GOES FULL WWE AT THE RNC
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) July 19, 2024
TEARS HIS SHIRT OFF, CROWD ERUPTS IN USA CHANTS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ymwRvd5I7B
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,” Trump writes, closing by offering condolences to the icon wrestler’s family:
“To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Hogan did, indeed, electrify the 2024 RNC audience, which was held mere days after Trump was wounded by an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania – ripping off his shirt to reveal a bright red “Trump Vance” shirt underneath and loudly declaring:
“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!”
Watch Hulk Hogan's full speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention: