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.

John Cena, Ric Flair and more stars paid tribute to the late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan after his death at age 71 on July 24. Ric Flair spoke with PEOPLE.

Wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, his manager confirmed Thursday. Hogan was a fixture with the WWE for decades, starting his career in wrestling career in 1977 before retiring in 2012. He won six WWE championships and Sylvester Stallone inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.