Hulk Hogan Tribute and 10-Bell Salute Kicks Off WWE SmackDown

5:02 PM PT -- Hulk Hogan's death was addressed right at the start of SmackDown ... with WWE CCO Triple H taking the stage and giving a heartfelt speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, yesterday, we lost one of the biggest and most globally recognized icons in the world," Paul Levesque said with the WWE roster standing behind him. "A man I grew up watching, was fortunate enough to share the ring with and, like so many of us, were honored to call a friend."

"The truth is, he captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe. We would not be standing here right now, all of us together, if it was not for him."

A 10-bell salute was then performed, followed by a video highlighting Hogan's incredible Hall of Fame-worthy journey through wrestling.

Fans in attendance chanted Hogan's name ... and displayed signs in honor of the late legend.

As we previously reported, several legends flew to Cleveland to be present for the ceremony.

Hulk Hogan will be honored with a farewell fit for a legend at SmackDown ... with several legends slated to be present for a tribute honoring the late wrestling icon following his death.

Sources tell TMZ Sports WWE is currently working on finalizing all the details to pay homage to the Hulkster just over 24 hours after his passing ... with names like Jimmy Hart, Sgt. Slaughter and the "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase flying to Cleveland for Friday's event.

It's no surprise the organization will acknowledge the loss -- Hogan was larger than life -- but we're told the ceremonious gestures will go far beyond the standard 10-bell salute for wrestling greats who have died in the past.

Fans can expect tributes throughout the night ... and it's safe to assume it'll be emotional for the wrestlers, fans and everyone else in attendance.

We broke the story -- Hogan passed away at 71 years old in Clearwater, Florida on Thursday from cardiac arrest.

The tributes have poured in over the past day ... with everyone from Vince McMahon to President Donald Trump to Ric Flair, The Rock and Sylvester Stallone mourning the loss.