BBC News has just reported, one hour ago, that former President Donald J. Trump broke his silence on social media following the passing of professional wrestling icon and personal friend Hulk Hogan. In a post that has already gone viral across multiple platforms, Trump paid tribute to the legendary wrestler, sharing a rare and emotional message: “If he had been with me that day, he would have never let it happen. Hogan had that kind of strength, presence, and loyalty. He was more than just a wrestler — he was a fighter for the people.”

The cryptic reference — “that day” — has stirred speculation, with many assuming Trump was alluding to key moments during his presidency or even referencing the Capitol events of January 6, 2021. But regardless of the interpretation, what stood out most was the personal affection Trump expressed for Hogan, whom he described as “one of the most loyal men I have ever known, and a true American hero both inside and outside the ring.”

Trump and Hogan’s friendship spanned decades, going back to the golden era of the 1980s when Trump Tower first rose on the New York skyline and Hulkamania was sweeping the nation. Trump had always admired strong personalities and charismatic figures who could command a room, and no one embodied that more in the world of entertainment than Hulk Hogan. Their bond only grew tighter over the years, with Hogan supporting Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign and even making appearances at a few rallies.

In his tribute, Trump continued: “Hulk was the kind of guy who never backed down. When he believed in something — in someone — he gave it everything he had. He fought hard, and he inspired millions to do the same. He had my back in some of the darkest moments, and I’ll never forget that.”

The former president also recalled personal moments shared between the two men — moments away from the cameras and public life. He wrote, “He wasn’t just a showman. At Mar-a-Lago, he was a storyteller, a listener, and sometimes the wisest man in the room. He gave advice like a brother and protected those he cared about like a lion.”

Fans around the world were stunned yesterday when news broke that Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, had passed away at age 71. While no official cause has been confirmed, those close to the wrestling legend have said he had been in declining health for some time, although he remained active on social media and made surprise appearances as recently as early this year. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes from celebrities, athletes, political figures, and millions of fans whose lives were shaped by the presence of the man who made “Hulkamania” a household word.

Trump’s post, however, stood out for its intensity and the weight of personal loss it carried. It’s rare to see the former president this emotionally raw, especially in a public setting. But in Hogan, Trump seemed to find something more than just a friend — perhaps a kindred spirit. A man who understood image, spectacle, and strength in both show and substance.

In closing, Trump ended the post with a striking final thought: “They don’t make men like him anymore. If he were still here, I’d ask him what to do next — because he always knew what was right. Rest in peace, my friend. You’ll always be remembered as the greatest of them all.”

The response was immediate. Within minutes, fans began resharing clips of the two together — Hogan raising Trump’s arm in victory at charity events, the two laughing side by side in interviews, and a particularly famous moment when Hogan appeared at a Trump-hosted WrestleMania event, flexing proudly for the crowd as Trump cheered him on from ringside.

Commentators have noted that Trump’s tribute was not just heartfelt, but also a reminder of how deeply ingrained Hogan was in American culture — from sports and entertainment to politics and beyond. Their unlikely but enduring friendship was symbolic of a time when the lines between spectacle and leadership were increasingly blurred, and charisma sometimes outweighed ideology.

Even those critical of Trump acknowledged the sincerity of the tribute. One fan commented, “No matter how you feel about Trump, you can tell this came from the heart. Hogan meant something real to him.” Another added, “Two legends, each in their own way. It’s the end of an era.”

As the wrestling world prepares for Hogan’s public memorial in Tampa later this week, Trump is expected to attend in person and may even speak during the ceremony. Sources close to the Hogan family say they welcomed Trump’s message with “deep appreciation and love.”

For now, fans are left with one final image — a post from Donald Trump, not filled with political rhetoric or campaign slogans, but with raw, personal pain: a man grieving the loss of a giant, a brother-in-arms, and a friend who, in Trump’s words, “would have never let it happen.” Whatever “it” was, the loss of Hulk Hogan is something even the toughest among us feel deeply.