A poignant moment unfolded at SummerSlam 2025 as Nick Hogan, son of the legendary Hulk Hogan, was visibly overcome with emotion during a heartfelt WWE tribute to his late father. The wrestling icon, who passed away earlier, was honored at the flagship summer event, leaving his son teary-eyed in the crowd.
Attending the grand spectacle at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, August 2, Nick Hogan, 35, and his wife, Tana Lea, were captured by cameras as the WWE paid homage. The emotional atmosphere deepened as “Real American,” The Hulkster’s iconic theme song, resonated through the arena, concluding a powerful video package chronicling the 12-time World Heavyweight Champion’s illustrious career.
WWE announcer Michael Cole underscored Hulk Hogan’s unparalleled impact, describing him as “larger than life, sports entertainment personified [and] the greatest performer in our history.” Cole highlighted Hogan’s remarkable undefeated record at SummerSlam throughout his career, acknowledging his contribution of “so many great moments, too many to talk about” for WWE fans worldwide.
The news of Hulk Hogan’s passing came as a shock to his closest circle, with sources indicating he was recuperating at home in the weeks leading up to his death, not in the hospital. Despite undergoing a “major surgery” in June, a friend exclusively told Us Weekly that the wrestling legend was “recovering well from his heart operation.”
His death on July 24 at age 71 was officially confirmed to be acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. Further reports indicated that Terry Gene Bollea, Hulk Hogan’s real name, had faced significant health challenges prior to his unexpected demise, adding to the complexity of his final days.
WWE swiftly responded to the tragic news, issuing a statement expressing their sorrow: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.” The company subsequently paid tribute to the icon at various TV events, including a 10-bell salute on Monday, July 28, which Nick Hogan also attended.
In a deeply moving social media post on Saturday, July 26, Nick Hogan poured out his grief, referring to The Hulkster as “the most incredible person.” He shared, “[Hulk] will always be my hero. He was the most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for.” Nick expressed his immense gratitude, “I feel so blessed to have had the greatest dad in the world. He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend. He always has been my best friend and I love him and miss him more than I could ever explain.”
Notably absent from WWE’s initial memorial events was Nick’s sister, Brooke Hogan, who later publicly clarified her reasons. Brooke, too, shared a heartfelt tribute to her estranged father, stating, “My Dearest Daddy, You were my everything, and I will always be your girl. I am PROUD to be your daughter — for all the love, light, and goodness you brought into this world. Thank you for choosing me in this lifetime.”
Even Linda Hogan, Brooke and Nick’s mother and Hulk’s ex-wife, penned an emotional eulogy despite their notoriously contentious divorce. Linda, 65, married to Hulk from 1983 to 2009, reflected on their enduring connection, writing: “Nick would tell me things and vice versa. Just news about life. I still felt .. although broken .. we still were a family. It’s so hard to know he’s just gone. I tried to stay strong for Nick … but I’m melting down now. It’s very sad.”
