Hulk Hogan called the Netflix biopic's script "powerful," even hoping Chris Hemsworth would receive Oscar attention for his role

WWE honored the late wrestling icon to kick off the Friday, July 25 episode of 'Friday Night Smackdown' live from Cleveland, Ohio

Hulk Hogan’s legacy continues to spark backlash as his past controversies resurface amid disputes over his estate and family response.

Hogan, who died Thursday in Florida at age 71, portrayed himself as an all-American hero, a term that itself implies a stereotype. He was Sylvester Stallone meets John Wayne in tights — only fans could actually touch him and smell the sweat if the WWF came to town.

Hulk Hogan's close friend Jimmy Hart talks exclusively to PEOPLE about the WWE star's health in his final days and reflects on his friendship, after Hogan's death on Thursday, July 24.

"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," they said in a statement to PEOPLE on July 24, after the news of his death was first reported by TMZ. "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."

WWE icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. He talked Skyline Chili and Trump during one of his final visits to Cincinnati in 2024.