Steve Austin Breaks Silence After Hulk Hogan’s Death With Emotional Tribute

Steve Austin isn’t known for emotional posts—but even The Texas Rattlesnake had to pause and pay tribute after the death of Hulk Hogan.

Just hours after the wrestling legend’s passing at the age of 71, Austin posted a heartfelt message on Instagram that hit like a punch to the gut. Alongside a backstage photo of the two icons together, Austin opened up about Hogan’s legacy in a rare show of vulnerability.

“Hulk Hogan was born to be a Professional Wrestler. Larger than life. Charisma for days. He was in a stratosphere all on his own.”

Austin followed that with a message about Hogan’s influence on the business—a nod to the global reach of Hulkamania.

“His contributions are immense. His influence will be forever. Hulkamania lives on. My condolences to his family and loved ones.”

The post immediately took off, racking up over 250,000 likes in just two hours. Austin, who rarely opens up like this online, made it clear—this loss cuts deep. His tribute wasn’t about attention. It was about respect. Legend to legend.

With tributes pouring in from across the industry, Austin’s words stood out as a personal reminder of just how much Hogan meant to the business—and the men who helped shape it.

What does Hulk Hogan’s legacy mean to you? Do you have a favorite moment from his career? Share your memories in the comments.