Hulk Hogan Dead at 71: Wrestlers, musicians, politicians react on social media

Terry Bollea, the professional wrestler who inspired generations of fans under the stage name "Hulk Hogan," died Thursday in Florida. He was 71.

Inside and outside the wrestling community, many took to social media Thursday to express their feelings in writing after news of Hogan's death went viral.

"Hulk Hogan was a true legend," WWE Hall of Famer Kane wrote on Twitter/X. "I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I'd practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up."

"I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend Hulk Hogan!" wrestler Ric Flair wrote on Twitter/X. "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!"

"RIP to the great Hulk Hogan, who lived right here in FL-13," wrote Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna. "It was an honor to be your Representative. Gone, but the legend of Hulkamania will run wild forever."

MORE: Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies at 71, cause of death revealed

"He inspired us to train harder, take our vitamins, and say our prayers," Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt wrote on Twitter/X. "He stirred a deep sense of patriotism and reminded us to believe in something larger than life, because he was larger than life. Hulk Hogan was more than a wrestler. He was an icon, an institution, a hero who defined an era and lifted the spirits of millions. Rest in peace, Hulkster, and thank you for inspiring millions of little Hulksters, just like me. In the hearts of generations, Hulkamania WILL LIVE FOREVER"

"Our hearts are with the Hogan family, the millions of fans, and friends across the world as we mourn this heartbreaking loss," country artist Lee Greenwood wrote on Twitter/X. "#HulkHogan"

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