Hulk Hogan dead: Ric Flair leads tributes to wrestling icon as WWE release statement

Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 with the WWE legend suffered a reported cardiac arrest as tributes pour in for the icon who has been hailed as "one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures."

It's been reported medics were called to Hulk's home in Clearwater, Florida early on Thursday morning.

Hogan was the main draw for the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985 and was a regular for years in its most popular event, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock. He also faced company chairman Vince McMahon.

He won six WWE championships throughout his career and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone.

A statement from the organisation read: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans."

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Ric Flair who, like Hogan, was a champion of the sport, paid his respects as he said: "I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!

"Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be.

"He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!"

Fellow legend Kurt Angle added: "R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the business including myself. There would not be a Kurt Angle, without the American Made, Hulk Hogan. My heart and prayers go out to his family. We lost a real icon today."

Hogan's stature saw him become a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, "Hogan Knows Best".

Former wrestler Brutus Beefcake said: "Through the good times and the bad, I always loved my brother Terry! I am devastated by the loss of my friend, I only wish we had time to mend our broken friendship before his passing. Until I see you Brother, in the big squared circle in the sky! I love you".