Eric Bischoff has spoken publicly for the first time since Hulk Hogan's passing, differentiating between Hogan the person and the character.

On 83 Weeks, Bischoff revealed he received a text message from Mike Johnson of PW Insider on the morning of Hogan's death on July 24. Johnson heard news about The Hulkster's condition but did not want to report anything. Moments later, Bischoff went back to his hotel room and saw confirmation of his friend's passing on television.

Amongst those most affected by Hulk Hogan's recent death is Eric Bischoff and Real American Freestyle Wrestling. In turn, both have penned tributes to him.