If you ask anyone who grew up in the eighties or nineties to name one iconic image that transcended genres, many would likely answer: Hulk Hogan, ripping apart his legendary yellow and red t-shirt. That moment left an indelible mark on a generation. Childhood without Hulkamania felt almost unimaginable. Not even in their wildest dreams could fans have envisioned a world without him. But now, the unthinkable has happened. The towering figure who became the most recognizable face of WWE has left us. Terry Gene Bollea, known across the world as Hulk Hogan, is no more.

The WWE legend passed away yesterday at his residence in Clearwater, Florida. According to reports, he suffered a cardiac arrest, leaving millions of fans around the world in a state of shock. Given his immense influence and impact, there has been a widespread outpouring of tributes. Numerous celebrities and prominent figures have taken to social media to express their grief over the loss of the wrestling icon. One person particularly affected by Hulk Hogan’s passing is Logan Paul. The elder of the Paul brothers, a rising star in the wrestling world, has openly shared his sorrow. For someone who began his wrestling journey barely four years ago, the loss of such a towering figure, someone he and countless others looked up to for inspiration, has been deeply saddening.

Sharing a picture from an episode of his podcast Impaulsive, one that featured Hulk Hogan, Logan Paul expressed his grief. “Talk about a legacy. Hulk’s existence will leave an everlasting ripple effect on sport & culture.” It was Hogan who laid the very blueprint for the wrestling world Logan is now part of.

Reflecting on that influence, Jake Paul’s brother added, “He’s shaped the universe that I now call home, and I’m so grateful for the time I got to spend with him. RIP Legend.” That memorable Impaulsive episode, co-hosted by Paul and his close friend Mike Majlak, aired just months ago, with Hulk Hogan as their guest.

One of the most touching moments came when Hogan openly praised Logan Paul’s rapid rise in the wrestling world: “I’ve been a wrestling fan since I was in the business four years ago, and I’ve never seen anybody pick up on it as quickly as you have, and your stuff looks f——- believable. There are no holes in your work.” The young wrestler was left speechless. For Logan Paul, that praise wasn’t just encouragement. It was a moment he would treasure for the rest of his life.

His young brother also shared his grief. “RIP Legend. Always appreciated your kind words and encouragement. Hulk Hogan brought WWE to the masses globally. Rest easy,” Jake Paul’s tweet read.

The sheer volume of tributes pouring in speaks volumes about what Hulk Hogan meant to people across generations. One thing most seem to agree on: Hulk Hogan was perhaps the single most significant catalyst in transforming World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) into the global phenomenon it is today.

The legend of Hulk Hogan will echo for generations

Whether it was teaming up with Mr. T at the very first WrestleMania or battling Andre the Giant in the legendary main event of WrestleMania III, Hulk Hogan was at the heart of the moments that changed the course of WWE, then known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

His star power wasn’t limited to the ring. Hogan’s appearances alongside Hollywood icons, like playing ‘Thunderlips’ opposite Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III, along with numerous film roles and commercials, helped take him into homes across America and beyond.

Perhaps the greatest testament to Hogan’s legacy lies in how he could leave WWE amid controversy, only to return each time to a hero’s welcome. Though his journey had its share of challenges, Hogan’s charisma and iconic presence never truly faded.

As long as professional wrestling exists, one name will always stand above the rest: Hulk Hogan.

Join us at EssentiallySports as we pay tribute to the larger-than-life legend who shaped generations.