Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, known for his larger-than-life persona, has died at the age of 71. His manager confirmed the news on Thursday. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, passed away in Clearwater, Florida, where he had been living.

Vince McMahon, co-founder of WWE, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media. He wrote, "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."

McMahon praised Hogan's dedication to his fans, stating, "He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved. Today, we pray for him."

WWE also released a statement expressing their sadness over Hogan's passing. They described him as one of pop culture's most recognizable figures, noting his significant role in helping WWE achieve global recognition during the 1980s. Hogan won six WWE championships and was a key figure in the first WrestleMania in 1985.

Tributes poured in from various figures in the wrestling community and beyond. Ric Flair expressed his shock and sorrow, calling Hogan an incredible athlete and friend. Triple H acknowledged Hogan's impact on the wrestling industry, stating, "WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring."

President Donald Trump also shared his condolences, calling Hogan a great friend and a cultural icon. He noted Hogan's significant impact on entertainment and expressed his best wishes to Hogan's family.

Hogan's career spanned decades, and he was known for his charisma and ability to connect with fans. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone. Despite his success, Hogan's career was not without controversy, including a public fallout with McMahon in the 1990s and a temporary ban from WWE in 2015 due to racist comments.

Hogan's legacy in professional wrestling is undeniable. He is remembered not only for his achievements in the ring but also for his influence on popular culture. His passing marks a significant loss for the wrestling community and his many fans worldwide.