WWE SmackDown set for Cleveland after Hulk Hogan's death
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Hulk Hogan has died at 71. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
WWE heads to Cleveland for SmackDown Friday on the heels of losing professional wrestling's biggest icon.
Driving the news: The show at Rocket Arena is WWE's first since Hulk Hogan's death on Thursday.
- TMZ reported that Hogan, 71, died after suffering a possible cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
- The news came after weeks of speculation that Hogan was suffering from an unknown health crisis.
What they're saying: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," WWE said in a statement.
- "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."
Zoom in: Fans at Rocket Arena can expect a lengthy tribute to Hogan.
- The show will also feature appearances by Westlake native Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, Columbus native Alexa Bliss and country star Jelly Roll.
- Tickets are still available.
Between the lines: The debut of Real American Freestyle (RAF) is set for Cleveland's Wolstein Center on Aug. 30.
- Hogan co-founded the promotion, which will feature the kind of "unscripted" freestyle wrestling seen at colleges and the Olympics. RAF recently signed a deal with Fox Nation to broadcast the event.
- "Hulk Hogan believed wrestling was more than just entertainment," RAF CEO Chad Bronstein, said in a statement. "He saw it as a brotherhood, a proving ground and a platform for greatness."
- "That's what Real American Freestyle was built to be, a new stage for the toughest, most passionate athletes on Earth. And Hulk was at the center of it."
Flashback: Hogan was most recently in Cleveland in January to promote his Real American Beer brand at local bars and nightclubs.
- The visit came weeks after Hogan last appeared on WWE television during the debut of "Raw" on Netflix.