The late Hulk Hogan's son, Nick Hogan, was choked up as WWE paid tribute to the “bigger than life” wrestler at SummerSlam 2025.
Nick, 35, and his spouse, Tana Lea, had been shown in the crowd on the WWE's flagship summer time occasion at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, August 2. Nick was close to tears as WWE performed The Hulkster's traditional theme tune “Actual American” on the conclusion of a video package deal highlighting the 12-time World Heavyweight Champion's legacy.
“Hulk Hogan was bigger than life, sports activities leisure personified [and] the best performer in our historical past,” WWE announcer Michael Cole advised viewers.
Cole identified that Hulk was “undefeated” at SummerSlam all through his profession and contributed “so many nice moments, too many to speak about” for WWE followers.
“[This was] a person who carried skilled wrestling on his again for 3 many years,” Cole, 56, added. “Relaxation in peace, brother.”
Because the digicam panned to a bereft Nick and Tana at ringside, Cole talked about that the couple had been attending WWE SummerSlam to “have a good time [Hulk's] life and legacy.”
Hulk died at age 71 on July 24, with Us Weekly confirming that the wrestling icon's reason behind loss of life was acute myocardial infarction, mostly generally known as a coronary heart assault. Us additionally discovered that Hulk (actual title Terry Gene Bollea) privately battled leukemia previous to his loss of life.
WWE initially responded to information of Hulk's loss of life with an announcement: “WWE is saddened to study WWE Corridor of Famer Hulk Hogan has handed away. One of popular culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE obtain world recognition within the Nineteen Eighties. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's household, pals, and followers.”
The corporate later honored Hulk at a number of of its TV occasions, with Nick beforehand attending Monday Evening Uncooked on Monday, July 28, for a 10-bell salute to his late father. Nick referred to The Hulkster as “probably the most unbelievable individual” in a poignant memorial message by way of Instagram on Saturday, July 26.
Nick Hogan, Brooke Hogan, Linda Hogan and Hulk Hogan. George Napolitano / FilmMagic
“[Hulk] will all the time be my hero. He was probably the most variety, loving and superb father anyone may ask for,” Nick wrote to followers. “I really feel so blessed to have had the best dad on the planet. He was not solely the very best dad but in addition my mentor and my greatest buddy. He all the time has been my greatest buddy and I really like him and miss him greater than I may ever clarify.”
Nick's sister, Brooke Hogan, was noticeably absent from WWE's numerous memorial occasions and subsequently spoke out to elucidate why she didn't attend.
“For these of you giving me crap for not attending my dad's tributes, @WWE didn't prolong an invitation,” Brooke. 37, wrote by way of her Instagram Story on Wednesday, July 30.
Brooke and her father had a notoriously sophisticated relationship, and whereas she acknowledged Hulk's loss of life by way of Instagram, Us discovered that she excluded herself from his will in 2023.
“I consider my spouse upheld her Dad's greatest pursuits even after his loss of life, mustering up all of the braveness and kindness she may regardless of nonetheless being very damage,” Brooke's husband, former NHL participant Steve Oleksy, advised Us solely. “That cash doesn't signify accomplishments within the ring — the vast majority of it got here on the expense of my spouse's dignity. It was constructed on hurtful feedback about her and her previous relationship, which prompted ache not solely to her, however to many different households.”
Brooke and Nick's mom, Linda Hogan, penned her personal emotional eulogy for her late exhusband regardless of their famously contentious divorce. (Linda and Hulk had been married between 1983 and 2009. Hulk was with Jennifer McDaniel from 2010 to 2021, earlier than tying the knot with Sky Day by day in 2023.)
Acknowledging the painful divorce, Linda, 65, wrote: “Nick would inform me issues and vice versa. Simply information about life. I nonetheless felt .. though damaged .. we nonetheless had been a household. It's so arduous to know he's simply gone. I attempted to remain robust for Nick … however I'm melting down now. It's very unhappy.”
She concluded, “I really like you Hulkster. You had been my man. The one man for me. RIP.”
