Hogan and Trump initially met thanks to their shared love of wrestling but their friendship would later become a political alliance

Hogan didn't publicly endorse Trump until the convention, citing the assassination attempt against Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as the reason for his announcement.

Hulk Hogan, who died Thursday at the age of 71, will be remembered as a true icon of professional wrestling. His extraordinary star power helped turn the fledgling wrestling industry into a global phenomenon that rivals traditional sports in reach, income and cultural impact.

Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, has died at 71. Audio obtained by TMZ revealed that the retired professional wrestler suffered cardiac arrest at his Florida home on Thursday morning. His manager Chris Volo confirmed to NBC Los Angeles that he died in his home surrounded by loved ones.

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan died on Thursday at the age of 71. Perhaps the most well-known and recognizable wrestler in the history of the industry, he was a major catalyst in the growth of the World Wrestling Federation throughout the 1980s.

Hogan sued Gawker over the publication of the video in what became a long-running, multi-million dollar lawsuit bankrolled by billionaire tech mogul Peter Thiel. Hogan eventually won the case, and Gawker agreed to a $31 million settlement which eventually led to the website going bankrupt.