JD Vance took to social media to call Hulk Hogan a “great American icon” as news broke of the WWE legend dying Thursday at the age of 71.

“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” the Vice President of the United States posted on X. “One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”

Authorities in Clearwater, Florida, responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Some of the biggest names is wrestling paid tribute on social media to the iconic wrestler.

Donald Trump Jr. also posted a tribute, calling Hogan a “legend.”

Hogan, also reality TV star, endorsed President Donald Trump in 2024 at the Republican National Convention for the presidential bid. In the 1980s, Trump had hosted WrestleManias featuring Hogan.

Hogan had said he made the decision to support the Republican candidate after seeing his combative, fist-pumping reaction to an attempted assassination on the campaign trail.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.