Vince McMahon has broken a six month silence on social media to honour the death of WWE legend Hulk Hogan at the age of 71.
News of the former world champion’s death, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was confirmed by his family to US Weekly, though they did not share any further details.
According to TMZ, emergency services were sent to his home in Clearwater, Florida, earlier this morning, after receiving a call about a ‘cardiac arrest’.
The WWE legend was one of the biggest names in the sport, and most recently worked as a brand ambassador for the company.
Despite being at the centre of a sex trafficking scandal, McMahon took to X to say: ‘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 favorite expressions, “Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.” Today, we pray for him.’
Together with the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Donald Trump and Ric Flair, WWE star John Cena has led the tributes honouring the life of Hulk Hogan.
Sharing an image of the wrestler on his Instagram page, Cena chose an early image of Hulk Hogan fighting Andre the Giant.
Also taking to Instagram, 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 three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone…’
Fellow wrestler Ric Flair wrote on X: ‘I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!
‘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 Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside.
‘Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!’
Meanwhile, American President Donald Trump wrote on social media: ‘R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN’
More to come.
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