Wrestling and political worlds react to Hulk Hogan’s death

The professional wrestling and political worlds reacted with shock and sorrow Thursday following the death of Terry Bollea, commonly known as Hulk Hogan.

Hogan, 71, who grew up in South Tampa, died at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater after first responders were called to his Clearwater Beach residence on Thursday morning.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the WWE posted on X. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan was a 1971 graduate of Tampa’s Robinson High School and briefly went to the University of South Florida.

He was also a fixture in the Tampa Bay area — and primarily on Clearwater Beach, where he lived and operated Hogan’s Hangout restaurant.

Gov. Ron DeSantis — also a Tampa Bay-area native — recalled watching Hogan wrestle as a child, and opened his Thursday news conference in Manatee County with his thoughts on Hogan’s death.

“As a Floridian, as somebody that grew up in West Central Florida, I was sad to see the news that Hulk Hogan passed away today,” DeSantis said. “He was a major icon for anybody in Gen X. I can tell you, growing up then in the 80s, and in particularly the early 90s, he was really beginning.

“And, you know, as a young kid, I’m growing up, and that was like wow, that’s our superhero kind of deal. And the fact that he was from the Tampa Bay area, when I’m growing up there was like, ‘Oh my gosh. Like, this guy lives in our area.’ ”

Ric Flair, arguably the biggest name in professional wrestling next to Hogan, expressed sadness over the death of his “close friend,” with whom he had a longstanding rivalry dating back to the 1990s.

Ed Leslie, who wrestled under the name Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake and was also born in Tampa, had a longtime friendship with Hogan.

Hogan’s popularity extended beyond the wrestling ring.

An outspoken conservative, Hogan was among several speakers during the final night of the Republican National Convention last July.

In reaction to his death, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, saying Hogan had a massive cultural impact and sent his condolences to the wrestler’s family. “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ 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.”

“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” Vice President J.D. Vance posted on X. “One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”

Added Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala on X: “As was the case with most boys who grew up in the 1980s, Hulk Hogan was the first hero I ever had. Hulk Hogan changed the Wrestling and entertainment world as we know it. Outside of the ring, he gave back to local charities, and would often do so with a smile on his face.”

Carl Lisciandrello is Assistant News Director at WUSF, the NPR station for the Tampa Bay area.