Vice President JD Vance has paid heartfelt tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who died Thursday at the age of 71 following a sudden cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. In a moving statement, Vance shared a personal memory of their final meeting—and a promise he now knows he will never be able to fulfill.
“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” Vance wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “He was one of the few public figures I truly admired growing up.” Recalling their last encounter, Vance shared that they had joked about meeting up for drinks. “The last time I saw him, we promised we’d get beers together the next time. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend. Rest in peace.”
Health Rumors and Sudden Passing
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, had faced years of health complications and was recently recovering from cervical spine surgery. Though his wife, Sky, had previously dismissed rumors of a coma and insisted he had a “strong heart,” the wrestling legend ultimately suffered cardiac arrest tied to complications from the surgery.
Just last year, Hogan revealed on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast that he had undergone 25 surgeries between 2015 and 2024, including 10 back surgeries, full replacements of both knees and hips, and extensive work on his shoulders.
WWE and Public Reactions
WWE issued an official statement mourning the death of one of its most iconic figures:
“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped elevate WWE to global fame in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Originally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, Hogan was temporarily removed in 2015 due to a controversy involving racist comments. However, he was reinstated and re-inducted in 2020 as part of the legendary New World Order (NWO).
A Legacy Remembered
Hogan’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes across the political and entertainment spectrum. Former President Donald Trump, who had long called Hogan a friend, also posted a tribute, calling him “MAGA all the way.”
As fans mourn the loss of one of wrestling’s most enduring icons, Vice President Vance’s message served as a poignant reminder of the personal impact Hogan had—not just in the ring, but in the lives of those who grew up watching him.
