(Story courtesy of WVLT News)

Knoxville, TN (WVLT) Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs released a statement Thursday following the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. Jacobs himself spent more than 20 years as a professional wrestler, most notably as Kane in the WWE.

“When you think of professional wrestling, you think of Hulk Hogan,” Jacobs said. “In fact, Hogan transcended wrestling and was an entertainment and pop culture icon.”

The wrestler-turned-mayor went on to say that Hogan played a key part in the wrestling industry beyond just performing in the ring.

“The Hulkster was integral in making professional wrestling, and specifically WWE, what it is today,” Jacobs said. “While I join fans all across the world in mourning his loss, I am also grateful for the opportunities that he created for people like me and so many others in professional wrestling and entertainment.”

Hogan was pronounced dead in Clearwater, Florida Thursday. He was 71.