8:47In this July 18, 2024, file image, famed entertainer and wrestler Hulk Hogan tears his shirt while addressing the audience on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, FILE
Approximately a year ago, wrestling icon Hulk Hogan delivered an impassioned address in favor of Donald Trump during the concluding evening of the Republican National Convention.
"Ultimately, with our leader up there, my hero, that gladiator, we’re going to unite America one genuine American at a time, brother," Hogan stated while Trump observed from his place in the audience.
Hogan, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer whose birth name is Terry Bollea, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71.
"WWE is heartbroken to hear that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has died," the organization remarked. "One of the most recognizable figures in pop culture, Hogan played a crucial role in helping WWE gain worldwide fame in the 1980s. WWE extends its sympathies to Hogan's family, friends, and admirers."
Trump released a statement regarding Hogan's passing on his conservative social media platform.
"Today, we mourn the loss of a great friend, the 'Hulkster.' Hulk Hogan was MAGA through and through — Strong, resilient, intelligent, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electrifying speech at the Republican National Convention, one of the week’s highlights," Trump expressed.
"He entertained fans from across the globe, and his cultural influence was monumental. To his wife, Sky, and family, we send our warmest wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be profoundly missed!" the president concluded.
In this July 18, 2024, file image, renowned entertainer and wrestler Hulk Hogan tears his shirt while speaking on stage at the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, FILE
Hogan did not publicly support Trump until the convention, mentioning the assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as the reason for his declaration.
"As an entertainer, I typically try to avoid political matters," Hogan stated at the convention, which occurred shortly after the Butler shooting. "However, after everything that has transpired in our nation over the last four years, and what occurred last weekend, I can no longer remain silent."
"I am here tonight because I wish the world to know that Donald Trump is a true American hero, and I am proud to endorse my hero as the next president of these United States," Hogan added in his speech, pointing out that the two had been acquainted for decades. (Trump hosted two early WrestleManias in the late 1980s.)
Celebrating what he termed "Trumpmania," Hogan famously tore his shirt in half to display a red Trump-Vance tank top to thunderous applause in the Milwaukee arena.
Trump, a well-known enthusiast of professional wrestling, commended Hogan for his address.
In this March 29, 1987, file image, businessman Donald Trump and World Champion Wrestler Hulk Hogan are captured at Wrestlemania Vl Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Jeffrey Asher/Getty Images, FILE
Hogan later expressed his support for Trump again on the campaign trail at a rally at Madison Square Garden just weeks before Election Day.
A popular shirt showcased at campaign rallies was the "Trumpmania" running wild shirt, inspired by the wrestler.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
