The Rock, Vince McMahon, Steve Austin & Ric Flair Pay Tribute to Hulk Hogan

July 25, 2025 — The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment history. Following his passing at age 71, several of wrestling’s biggest legends — The Rock, Vince McMahon, Steve Austin, and Ric Flair — have publicly shared their heartfelt tributes.

Vince McMahon: “The greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME”

Vince McMahon, the former WWE Chairman who helped build Hulkamania into a worldwide brand, offered a powerful tribute:

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.

His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled – and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected, and loved.

He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, “Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.” Today, we pray for him.

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— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 24, 2025

The Rock: “To millions of kids, you were a childhood hero – myself included”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson paid tribute to Hogan in an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter):

Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan 🕊️ To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero – myself included. Thank you for paving the way. Grateful for the Hulkster’s guidance and legendary presence in my life.

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Steve Austin: “His contributions are immense. His influence will be forever.”

Steve Austin, Hogan’s fellow icon of attitude and aggression, also honored Hogan’s legacy:

Hulk Hogan was born to be a Professional Wrestler. Larger than life. Charisma for days. He was in a stratosphere all on his own. His contributions are immense. His influence will be forever. Hulkamania lives on.

My condolences to his family and loved ones.

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Ric Flair: “People always wanted to paint us as enemies… but we were close friends.”

Ric Flair, Hogan’s longtime contemporary and rival, gave one of the most emotional statements in an interview with TMZ:

People always wanted to paint us as enemies, but we were actually very, very close friends. We had magic.

Hogan once lent me money and wouldn’t allow me to pay it back. He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital… How do you forget things like that?

Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you!

Ric Flair in tears as he speaks with TMZ about how he got the news about Hulk Hogans passing 💔

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— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) July 24, 2025

A Mount Rushmore United in Tribute

The combined reflections from McMahon, Rock, Austin, and Flair showcase how Hulk Hogan was not just a performer — he was the cornerstone of modern wrestling. From the birth of WrestleMania to the global reach of WWE, Hogan’s charisma, physique, and values created a movement that still echoes today.

These are not just tributes. They are acknowledgments of an immortal legacy — a man who turned a wrestling gimmick into a household ethos: “Say your prayers, take your vitamins, and believe in yourself.”

Thank You @espn For Treating @HulkHogan Like The Man & The Athlete He Is! He Is The Biggest Star In The History Of Wrestling And He Deserves All The Recognition From Every Football Player, Baseball Player, Basketball Player, Or Any Other Athlete That Is World Class. Thank You… pic.twitter.com/7JJcdGD7Nr

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 24, 2025