Long before the world came to know Hulk Hogan as a cultural icon, he was already something more personal to President Donald Trump: a loyal friend. And now, that loss is reverberating far beyond the wrestling ring, shaking not only the world of sports and entertainment but also the inner circle of those who truly knew him.

President Trump took to Truth Social shortly after the shocking news broke on July 24, 2025. Hogan, 71, passed away from cardiac arrest in his Clearwater, Florida home. Trump’s tribute was both public and deeply heartfelt.

“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” he wrote. “To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”

Donald Trump Jr. added his voice to the wave of mourning, sharing a simple but poignant message on X that echoed the depth of their decades-long friendship.

The relationship between Trump and Hogan began over 35 years ago at a wrestling event in Atlantic City—long before memes, reality shows, or viral catchphrases could define them. From that moment, they maintained a visible camaraderie, with Hogan frequently appearing at Trump-hosted wrestling events and Trump proudly cheering him on from the front row.

The WWE legend once recalled one of his biggest career highlights: winning a world title at WrestleMania, hosted at Trump Plaza. The crowd roared, and Trump was ringside, beaming.

That kind of bond went beyond photo ops. It was friendship in a world that doesn’t always offer real ones—especially when the cameras stop rolling.

Now, that bond has been abruptly cut. Hogan’s death comes just weeks after he seemed to be on the mend from yet another surgery—a “little fusion procedure” in May meant to address lingering neck pain. The recovery appeared promising.

And yet, there had been rumblings about his health. In June, local radio host Bubba the Love Sponge stirred panic by claiming Hogan was nearing the end, with family allegedly preparing for final goodbyes. The report was quickly contested. TMZ cited sources close to the wrestler who insisted he was on his feet, recovering well.

Even his wife, Sky Hogan, stepped in to squash the rumors, saying her husband was not in a coma and that his heart surgeries had been routine and successful. But it seems the truth was more fragile than anyone had hoped.

His passing also casts a shadow over upcoming ventures he had passionately promoted, including the Real American Freestyle league and the Real American Beer brand. Just weeks ago, the company shared a sunny photo of a towel with Hogan’s image stretched across a beach, captioned: “Beach day sponsored by brotherhood.”

That kind of brotherhood wasn’t just a brand—it was a code for Hogan. It was what made him more than a wrestling superstar. He was a unifier, a symbol of strength that young fans and their parents could rally behind. With his wild charisma and signature red and yellow gear, he transformed professional wrestling into family entertainment, opening the door to mainstream acceptance.

In the ’90s, he crossed into Hollywood with “Thunder in Paradise” and went on to co-create the wildly popular New World Order faction, adding another chapter to his mythic legacy. In the 2000s, he opened up his life to the public through “Hogan Knows Best,” starring alongside his then-wife Linda and their children, Brooke and Nick. He even made a cameo in Brooke’s music video, sweeping the floors—just a dad supporting his daughter.

But for many, especially Donald Trump and those who called him a friend, the stories that mattered most happened away from the spotlight—during private phone calls, quiet loyalty, and unwavering support through changing tides.

Now, those left behind are trying to come to terms with a world without Hulk Hogan in it. His fans have lost a hero. His family, a husband and father. And his friends, a man who stood tall even when he was in pain.

Hogan’s physical presence may be gone, but his spirit—the booming voice, the trademark mustache, the larger-than-life heart—will echo through arenas and living rooms for generations to come.

Because Hulk Hogan didn’t just wrestle in rings.

He wrestled into the hearts of millions.

And there, he’ll never lose.