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Hulk Hogan, The Rock react to 'Macho Man' death

Published Friday, May 20 2011, 19:24 BST | By Tom Ayres | 14 comments

Hulk Hogan and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson have been among the first to respond to news of 'Macho Man' Randy Savage's death.

The former WWF Champion, whose real name was Randall Poffo, died earlier today in a car accident after suffering a heart attack while driving.

Hogan, who had many feuds with Savage both on and off the air, refused to comment on the news until he had heard confirmation.

"I'm completely devastated," Hogan tweeted, after verifying the reports. "After over ten years of not talking with Randy, we've finally started to talk and communicate."

He continued: "I just pray that he's happy and in a better place and we miss him. I feel horrible about the ten years of having no communication. This was a tough one."

The Rock also tweeted: "RIP Randy 'Macho Man' Savage - you were one of my childhood inspirations and heroes. Strength, love and prayers to the Savage/Poffo family."

WWE part-time diva Trish Stratus described Savage as her "first inspiration" when becoming a wrestler, while retired superstar Shawn Michaels noted the loss of "one of the greats".

Savage, who won seven world championships over the course of his 20-year wrestling career, is survived by his wife Lynn.

> 'Macho Man' Randy Savage: Gallery tribute

Watch the 1986 WWF Heavyweight Championship match between 'Macho Man' Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan below: