Donald Trump shares another heartfelt tribute to WWE icon Hulk Hogan days after his tragic passing | WWE News
WWE legend Hulk Hogan may have left the arena for the final time, but for former U.S. President Donald Trump, the memory of his longtime friend still reminds him of his astonishing legacy in wrestling. Days after Hogan’s sudden death at age 71, Trump issued another emotional tribute reflecting on their decades-long friendship and Hogan’s surprising turn toward politics late in life.
Donald Trump gives another emotional tribute to his longtime friend Hulk Hogan
Donald Trump, speaking to Going Ringside, opened up about the Hulkster, real name Terry Bollea, with a rare mix of admiration, humor, and heartbreak. “He made the best speech at the [Republican National] convention, and he was very proud,” Trump recalled.“You know, he told me, ‘I wish I came out stronger, but I didn’t want to be criticized.’ And he felt so badly about it, and he really overdid it—almost, if you can overdo such a thing.”
But Trump’s tribute wasn’t just about politics. The US President went on to add, “He was a great guy. He was an unbelievable showman.”“You could be a good showman, but if you’re not a physical specimen, it’s not going to work… I’ve watched him lift 350-pound men over his head and throw them out of the ring. He was the real deal.”
Donald Trump revealed the extent of Hulk Hogan’s health issues
Behind the neon bandanas and crowd chants, Hogan was fighting battles far more painful than anything inside a wrestling ring. Trump recalled how Hogan wrestled “sometimes 200 times a year,” pushing his body to the brink. “His knees were in trouble, his back was in trouble. He was in such trouble.”In one of his most poignant remarks, Trump added: “He was a great man. He was an incredible gentleman, and he was really a great friend—and he was a great friend of MAGA.”Even in his final days, Hogan struggled with health and emotion. According to longtime friend Eric Bischoff, Hogan felt “weak” and “embarrassed” and was hesitant to be seen. But the Hulkster’s fire never dimmed. “It was work for him to have a conversation,” Bischoff recalled, “but he was the same guy.”As for Trump’s tribute, it wasn’t just about a political ally or a celebrity friend. It was about a cultural icon.Once hesitant to mix fame with politics, Hogan finally broke his silence. Standing in a Milwaukee stadium packed with supporters, he tore off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top and declared, “Donald Trump is a real American hero, and I’m proud to support my hero as the next president of the United States.”Hogan was a longtime friend of President Trump, and the POTUS made sure to honor his memory once again with his heartfelt remark for the wrestling legend.Also Read: Brooke Hogan remembers father Hulk Hogan with moving post and calls out distorted narrative about their bond
FAQs
When did Hulk Hogan pass away?Hulk Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest.What did Donald Trump say about Hogan’s health?Trump mentioned Hogan suffered from severe knee and back issues after years of intense wrestling.Did Hulk Hogan support Donald Trump publicly?Yes, he endorsed Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, calling him a “real American hero.”
