But over the past half century, the headlining star—the one whose name tops the marquee, and who is paid the most money—has usually been someone like Hulk Hogan. Hogan himself was uncommonly tall, blessed with biceps bigger than a baby’s head,

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson paid tribute to the "immortal" Hulk Hogan on social media following the wrestling legend’s death.

Hogan also famously wrestled for WWE competitor World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s, turning heel (wrestling parlance for bad guy) and becoming Hollywood Hulk Hogan as a member of the New World Order (NWO). He has also wrestled for promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling and TNA.

"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."

For a generation of fans, Hulkamania was real. But the wrestling god of their youth turned out to be a mere mortal who leaves a complicated and sometimes ugly legacy

First responders were called to his Florida home after a report of "cardiac arrest", local authorities say. He was later pronounced dead at hospital.

His lawsuit over a leaked sex tape bankrupted Gawker Media — and helped inspire the American right’s ongoing war on the press.

SmackDown was a night of remembrance for WWE. The July 25 edition of WWE's weekly show was the first one to take place since the death of Hulk Hogan, arguably the biggest star in company history. WWE typically holds tributes during shows after former stars have died,

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.