Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Tears and Tributes: The Emotional Farewell to Hulk Hogan

Nick Hogan celebrated his late father Hulk Hogan's birthday by unveiling a banner outside the WWE legend's forthcoming Slam Sports Bar. The pair are pictured at the bar overlooking Madison Square Garden in the months before Hulk's death

SHOCKING TRIBUTES AND TURMOIL: THE HULKSTER'S LEGACY SHINES THROUGH

In a shocking turn of events, the world was left reeling last month as wrestling legend Hulk Hogan passed away at 71. The news sent shockwaves throughout the sports community, and as his fans mourned, Hogan's family was forced to confront their own personal demons.

Just days after his passing, Hogan's birthday would have been a somber affair for those closest to him. But amidst the sadness, there were whispers of a family feud that had been brewing in the shadows. The Hulkster's children, Brooke and Nick, were at the center of it all, with their sisterly bond strained by years of estrangement.

The wrestling legend died last month at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest

As the world celebrated Hogan's life, his daughter Brooke chose to honor her father in a unique way - by taking her twin kids to the beach, Hogan's favorite haunt. Meanwhile, her brother Nick found solace in the support of his mother, Linda, and stepmother Sky Daily, who had been a rock for him throughout the ordeal.

But amidst the grief, there were also signs of a family still reeling from the aftermath of their father's passing. Brooke and her husband, ex-NHL player Steven Oleksy, had famously skipped Hogan's funeral, choosing to celebrate his life in a way that was more personal to them.

And as for Nick? He seemed to be struggling with the loss, caught trying to fight back tears during the 10-bell salute at WWE SummerSlam 2025. His wife Tana Lea was also seen wiping away tears as she joined him on stage for the emotional tribute.

Hogan is pictured with his daughter Brooke and NBA icon and close friend Dennis Rodman

But it wasn't just Hogan's family that was in mourning - his friends and colleagues were also paying their respects. Dennis Rodman, the former NBA bad boy, was spotted sobbing uncontrollably at Hogan's private memorial service. And Theon Von, comedian extraordinaire, had a heartfelt message for the Hulkster: "He was one of the most incredible people I've ever met."

And then there were the tributes pouring in from around the world. The White House paid its respects with a special message from Donald Trump, who had been friends with Hogan for years.

But amidst all the sadness, there was also a sense of closure and celebration. Hogan's business partner, Rich Rosen, revealed that the Hulkster had been working tirelessly on his final project - a sports bar in Manhattan overlooking Madison Square Garden, where he made his WWE debut back in 1979.

The wrestling icon is thought to have been 'heartbroken' in the months before his death after a feud tore his family apart (pictured L-R: Hulk, Brooke, Lisa and Nick Hogan in 2005)

And while Hogan may not be around to see it open its doors, Rosen is adamant that the bar will be a living tribute to his legacy. "Hogan's death has actually intensified it greatly," he said of the project. "Everything is much more significant now. Now it's a tribute to him, and it's a tribute to his fans."

But Hogan's life was not without controversy. There were the sex tapes, the racist rants, and the public feuds that left even some of his most loyal fans questioning his character.

And yet, as Nick reflected on his father's legacy, he chose to focus on the highs rather than the lows. "His legacy is so broad," he said. "There's so many great moments, and I think that's what we want everyone to focus on, especially through Slam Sports Bar."

TV personality Brooke chose not to attend the WWE icon's funeral in Florida last week

It seems clear that Hogan's family will continue to face challenges in the coming weeks and months as they navigate their grief and work to build a lasting legacy for their father.

THE LAST INTERVIEW WITH HULK HOGAN

Just days before his passing, Hogan sat down with The Scholarly Note to discuss his final project - Slam Sports Bar. "I'm making a big comeback, brother," he said in one of his last interviews. "I've got a new energy, and I'm ready to take on the world."

Nick, 35, and his wife Tana Lea are pictured during WWE's tribute to Hogan earlier this month

And as he spoke about his future plans, it was clear that Hogan had no intention of slowing down anytime soon. His health may have been declining, but his spirit remained strong.

"We actually had a kick-off meeting for the bar just the morning before he passed," Rosen revealed. "But now, everything is much more significant. Now it's a tribute to him, and it's a tribute to his fans."

It seems that Hogan's legacy will live on through Slam Sports Bar - a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to his craft.

Rodman made his pro wrestling debut as a member of the 'New World Order' with Hogan

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RICH ROSEN

We caught up with Rosen to talk about the final days of Hogan's life. "He was tireless," he said. "Even in his final weeks, he was working non-stop on Slam Sports Bar."

Rosen revealed that Hogan had a clear vision for the bar - one that would not only honor his legacy but also celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defined his career.

Donald Trump joined the mourners paying tribute to Hogan in the hours after his death

"It's going to be a place where people can come together to share in the excitement of sports," he said. "And it will be a living tribute to Hulk Hogan, no question."

As we spoke with Rosen, it was clear that he was still reeling from the loss of his friend and business partner. But despite the sadness, there was also a sense of hope - hope that Hogan's legacy would live on through Slam Sports Bar.

THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING HULK HOGAN

As well as his two children, Hogan is survived by his third wife, Sky Daily

It's no secret that Hogan's life was not without controversy. From the sex tapes to the racist rants, he made headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent years.

And yet, as Nick reflected on his father's legacy, he chose to focus on the highs rather than the lows. "His legacy is so broad," he said. "There's so many great moments, and I think that's what we want everyone to focus on."

It seems clear that Hogan's family will continue to face challenges in the coming weeks and months as they navigate their grief and work to build a lasting legacy for their father.

HULK HOGAN'S FINAL PROJECT

As we looked into Slam Sports Bar, it was clear that Hogan had left an indelible mark on the world. From its bold decor to its enthusiastic staff, everything about the bar screamed "Hulkamania."

And as Rosen spoke about the final days of Hogan's life, it was clear that he was still in shock. "He was tireless," he said. "Even in his final weeks, he was working non-stop on Slam Sports Bar."

Rosen revealed that Hogan had a clear vision for the bar - one that would not only honor his legacy but also celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defined his career.

"It's going to be a place where people can come together to share in the excitement of sports," he said. "And it will be a living tribute to Hulk Hogan, no question."

As we left Slam Sports Bar, it was clear that Hogan's legacy would live on through this final project - a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to his craft.

THE WHITE HOUSE PAYS RESPECTS

It wasn't just Hogan's family and friends who paid their respects in the wake of his passing. The White House also sent a special message, praising Hogan as an "American icon" who will be deeply missed.

"My dad and the President were friends for a really long time," Nick said of Donald Trump's tribute. "And we thank the President very much for the tribute and the kind words that he shared about my father."

As we reflected on Hogan's legacy, it was clear that his impact went far beyond the world of professional wrestling. He was an American icon, a true giant in every sense of the word.

And as Slam Sports Bar prepares to open its doors, it seems clear that Hogan's spirit will live on - through the bar, through his family, and through the countless lives he touched throughout his career.

HULKAMANIA LIVES ON

In the end, it's not just about the controversy or the scandals. It's about the man himself - Hulk Hogan, an American icon who left a lasting impact on the world.

And as we looked into Slam Sports Bar, it was clear that his legacy would live on through this final project - a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to his craft.

The Hulkster may be gone, but his spirit will never fade.