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WWE remembers Hulk Hogan with 10-bell salute, tribute video

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs07/26/25grant_grubbs_
Hulk Hogan WWE tribute death
© David Richard-Imagn Images

On Friday, the WWE honored legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, who died on Thursday from cardiac arrest. He was 71 years old.

The WWE honored Hogan by gathering some of its biggest stars — past and present — for an honorary 10-bell salute. The WWE also aired a heartwarming tribute video for Hogan, narrated by fellow wrestler Triple H.

Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, began his professional wrestling career in 1977. He joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1983. The WWF eventually became the WWE.

Hogan was arguably the largest star in the sport during 1980s, when professional wrestling reached new heights of popularity. He headlined eight of the first nine editions of WrestleMania and was the WWF Champion for 1,474-days, the third-longest rein of all time.

In 1994, Hogan joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the WWF’s rival organization. While there, Hogan made his infamous heel turn, teaming up with the New World Order. After the WWF bought the WCW in 2002, Hogan the organization’s belt again for the sixth time. Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

Hogan’s ability to entertain fans wasn’t limited to the wrestling ring. He also made numerous appearances in films over the years, including Rocky III, No Holds Barred and Suburban Commando. The WWE also released a statement in the wake of Hogan’s death on Thursday.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the statement read. “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.”

More on Hulk Hogan’s death

TMZ reported medics were dispatched to the home of Hulk Hogan in Clearwater, Fla., early Thursday morning. A “slew of police cars and EMTs” were reportedly parked outside Hogan’s home as the he was carried out on a stretcher and into an ambulance

Police told TMZ that officers responded to the call at 9:51 am ET and Bollea was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue personnel before being transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Only weeks ago, Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, declared her husband’s heart was “strong” after recent surgeries, shutting down rumors he was in a coma. Last month, TMZ previously reported speculation that Bollea was on his “deathbed” but later clarified he was simply dealing with symptoms following a neck procedure he underwent back in May.

On3’s Alex Byington also contributed to this report.