WWE Releases Statement On Hulk Hogan's Death But People Are Divided

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan.

On Thursday, WWE released an official statement following the death of Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling legend who helped catapult the brand into the mainstream during the 1980s and beyond.

“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.”

While the organization remembered Hogan as a foundational force behind WWE’s rise to global prominence, the fan response online reflected a more complex picture.

Some longtime wrestling fans took issue with WWE’s tone, citing controversies from Hogan’s past that resurfaced in recent years.

“Nah, not on my watch… y’all ain’t do this for Benoit, but Hogan gets flowers like he carried wrestling on his back alone,” one user wrote, while another added, “WWE is saddened? No y’all not.”

A third critic didn’t mince words, posting, “I think I speak for EVERYONE when I say that WE are HAPPY.”

Still, others pushed back on the criticism, choosing instead to honor Hogan’s contributions to the sport and the larger-than-life persona that defined a generation of wrestling fans.

“How do you even replace this legend? The face of WWE. RIP Hogan… We will never have another legendary entrance like this,” one supporter shared.

Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “I will miss Hogan, but the fact that so many people are sh-ting on his death because of his mistakes (not to mention his political opinions) in life that he moved past and did better for several years is disgusting and disrespectful to the family.”

One fan summed up the complicated emotions shared by many, “Politics, bad personality, issues backstage, and just sh-tty issues aside, RIP to Hulk Hogan. Wrestling would not be the same or possibly even around without him.”

Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Despite how y’all feel. Without Hogan, there is no WWE. RIP.”

Still, not everyone mourned the loss. Some brought Hogan’s political affiliations to the forefront, with one user writing, “The way I don’t even feel sad bc he was a PROUD Trump supporter….”

The divide was further amplified by posts calling for respect. “So sad. What a legend. Let’s hope the vile leftist freaks can keep their mouths shut out of respect,” one person wrote.

Others proposed a formal WWE tribute, with one user suggesting, “SummerSlam ring should be yellow and red colors in tribute. Hogan needs a mega tribute.”

As the wrestling world mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan, fellow WWE stars and colleagues continue to honor the man who inspired generations.

WWE legend Kane, known outside the ring as Glenn Jacobs, reflected on his time with Hogan, sharing a heartfelt message alongside a throwback photo from the ring.

“Hulk Hogan was a true legend,” Kane wrote. “I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I'd practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up.”

With his unmistakable look, the red-and-yellow gear, the signature mustache, and his booming charisma, Hogan exploded onto the scene in the early ‘80s and took WWE (then WWF) to heights it had never seen. His catchphrases became cultural staples, and his finishing move, the leg drop, was the punctuation mark on some of wrestling’s most iconic moments.

Hogan made history as the main event of the very first WrestleMania in 1985, helping launch the company into pop culture superstardom. Throughout his career, he racked up six WWE Championship reigns and engaged in legendary rivalries with the likes of André the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Ultimate Warrior.

His impact on the sport was solidified with a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2005, and again in 2020 with the notorious New World Order faction.

While controversy has followed him in recent years, even critics recognize the role Hogan played in making wrestling what it is today.