Vince McMahon reacts to Hulk Hogan’s death: ‘The world lost a treasure’

Vince McMahon is the latest WWE legend to offer Hulk Hogan a heartwarming tribute.

“The world lost a treasure today,” the WWE honcho posted on X on Thursday. “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.”

Those comments followed suit after messages from several other WWE giants, including wrestlers such as Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Kevin Nash and Sting.

McMahon, who co-founded the modern WWE with his wife, Linda, was one of the most instrumental figures in the rise of Hogan, who died Thursday at the age of 71. 

McMahon and Hogan had an up-and-down relationship over the years, which was complex and often contentious. 

The duo worked closely together as The Hulkster rose to fame in the 1980s — McMahon recruited Hogan to join the then-WWF in 1984, and the wrestler developed into a megastar in the following years.

But the pair had a falling out when Hogan testified against McMahon in a 1993 trial that accused the latter of distributing steroids to his wrestlers. 

McMahon went on to temporarily ban Hogan from WWE after the wrestler’s racist comments were made public in 2015, before ultimately bringing him back. 

McMahon, 79, has faced his share of controversy, too. 

Former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against McMahon in January 2024, alleging McMahon had sexually assaulted and trafficked her. 

McMahon denied any wrongdoing, but he resigned from WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, when the lawsuit was filed.