President Trump paid tribute to Hulk Hogan Thursday following the wrestling icon’s death at the age of 71.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,’” the president said in a statement on Truth Social. “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week.
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,” added Trump, 79. “To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
The five-time WWE champion tore off his shirt — revealing a Trump-Vance tank top underneath — at last July’s RNC in Milwaukee just a week after the former and future president was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt.
“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!” the WrestleMania icon roared as he tore his shirt in half.
“And I said, let Trump-o-mania run wild, brother! Let Trump-o-mania rule again! Let Trump-o-mania make America great again!”
Hogan, whose legal name was Terry Gene Bollea, reportedly died of cardiac arrest Thursday morning at his home in Clearwater, Fla.
His WWE championships spanned 1984 to 1993 — with his distinctive handlebar mustache and gritty personality making him a household name.
Hogan vociferously backed Trump ahead of his Nov. 5 election victory, including vouching for him at an October Madison Square Garden rally that ruffled feathers in Manhattan.
“I don’t see no stinkin’ Nazis in here. I don’t see no stinkin’ domestic terrorists in here,” he told the crowd. “The only thing I see here are a bunch of hard-working men and women that are real Americans, brother.”