WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance mourned American pro wrestling titan Hulk Hogan after the WWE legend died Thursday at the age of 71.
“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,” Vance, 40, said on X. “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.”
Following the news of WWE legend Hulk Hogan’s death, Vice President JD Vance paid tribute to the “American icon” on X. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty ImagesIt is unclear when Vance and Hogan last crossed paths, but the face of “Hulkamania” endorsed President Trump last year and was given a speaking slot at last year’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
“Let Trumpmania run wild, brother!” Hogan boomed on the convention stage after tearing his shirt in dramatic fashion to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top. “Let Trumpmania rule again! Let Trumpmania make America great again!”
The WWE hall of famer died from a “cardiac arrest” on Thursday. He was 71. Ron Sachs – CNP for NY Post / MEGA
“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,” Vance said on X. FRANCIS CHUNG/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock
While unclear when Vance and Hogan last crossed paths, the late WWE legend officially endorsed President Trump at last year’s Republican National Convention. Stephen YangHogan’s relationship with Trump dates back decades and both men are members of the WWE Hall of Fame, with the president tapping company co-founder Linda McMahan to be small business administrator and education secretary in his two administration.
A cause of Hogan’s death, at his home in Clearwater, Fla., was not immediately available, but investigators said no foul play was suspected.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.” the company wrote 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, real name Terry Bollea, gained fame in the 1980s with his bombastic persona and rivalries with Andre the Giant, the Ultimate Warrior, Ric Flair and Randy “Macho Man” Savage.
In recent years, Hogan had undergone numerous surgeries for injuries to his knees and back, along with a neck procedure in May.
Earlier this year, Hogan appeared on the Netflix debut of WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” and he was set to front an amateur wrestling program, “Real American Freestyle,” on Fox Nation next month.
