In a tragic moment that has sent shockwaves across the world of wrestling, entertainment, and pop culture, Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, has passed away at the age of 71. The man whose name was once synonymous with American heroism, strength, and resilience is gone. But as millions mourn the loss of the wrestling legend, it was the raw, emotional words of his only son, Nick Hogan, that captured the deep pain and profound love behind the headlines.
“To the world, he was Hulk Hogan,” Nick said, “But to me, he was just Dad — the most kind, loving, and amazing father anybody could ever ask for.”
A Giant Inside and Outside the Ring
Born Terry Eugene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Hogan’s rise to superstardom began in the early 1980s when he joined the then-WWF. With his hulking 6’7” frame, golden handlebar mustache, and booming charisma, he didn’t just entertain — he transformed wrestling into a global phenomenon. His iconic matches against André the Giant, The Ultimate Warrior, and Randy “Macho Man” Savage became pop culture milestones.
But beyond the theatrics, Hulk Hogan became a symbol of American optimism in an era riddled with uncertainty. He told kids to take their vitamins and say their prayers. He wasn’t just a character — he was a cultural force.
By the time the 1990s rolled in, Hogan had evolved again — turning heel in WCW and forming the infamous New World Order (nWo). He managed to do what few in show business can: remain relevant across decades and generations.
The Final Days — Quiet Strength Behind the Curtain
In the months leading up to his death, Hogan’s public appearances had become fewer. Rumors swirled about his health, especially following several surgeries on his spine and hips — injuries accumulated after decades of punishing performances inside the ring.
But behind closed doors, Hogan was finding peace. Family sources confirm he had been suffering from cardiac-related complications, which worsened over the summer. Surrounded by his children, fiancée Sky Daily, and a handful of lifelong friends, Hogan died peacefully at his Clearwater Beach home on July 24th.
It was a quiet departure for a man whose life had been anything but.
“He held my hand before he passed,” Nick shared. “He smiled and said, ‘I’m proud of you. Make me proud after I’m gone.’ That was Dad — always thinking about us.”
Nick Hogan’s Tribute: A Son’s Love Without Pretenses
While the world posted tributes filled with highlight reels, viral promos, and WrestleMania memories, Nick Hogan — born Nicholas Bollea — chose instead to offer a deeply personal remembrance.
His father had made mistakes. He had faced public disgrace, lost friends, and battled personal demons. But to Nick, those flaws never defined him.
“He didn’t hide who he was. He taught me to be honest, even when it’s hard. To stand tall, even when the world tries to knock you down. That was the real Hulk Hogan.”
“People knew the Hulk. I knew Terry. I knew the man who cooked scrambled eggs every Sunday morning and cried when we watched Field of Dreams. That’s who I lost.”
A Complicated Icon — But a Redeemed Man
Hogan’s life was not without controversy. The 2015 leaked recordings that included racially offensive remarks shattered his public image, leading to his suspension from WWE and removal from its Hall of Fame.
But over the following years, Hogan worked quietly to rebuild, reaching out privately to those he had offended, making amends, and re-engaging with fans who still believed in redemption.
He was reinstated into the Hall of Fame in 2018. In the last chapter of his life, Hogan became more introspective, focusing on charity work, youth mentorship, and even speaking at churches and addiction recovery programs.
“He wasn’t perfect,” Nick admitted. “But he owned it. He changed. And he gave so much of his heart to make up for the hurt.”
The World Mourns — A Generation Says Goodbye
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from around the globe.
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WWE Chairman Paul Levesque (Triple H) called him “the reason many of us entered the ring in the first place.”
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted an emotional video remembering Hogan as “a childhood hero who became a real-life mentor.”
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Ric Flair, Hogan’s longtime friend and rival, tweeted simply: “Icons never die. Love you forever, brother.”
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President Biden issued a rare cultural condolence, calling Hogan “an emblem of American grit and determination.”
Legacy Beyond the Spotlight
Despite the millions of fans, Hogan’s greatest source of pride was always his family. He would often speak about his children during interviews, even as they navigated turbulent moments of their own.
Nick’s final words in his tribute encapsulated that unwavering bond:
“The world saw a superhero. I saw a dad in pain, still fighting to smile. Still putting others first. Still showing up.”
“I don’t care how many belts he won — his greatest title was ‘Dad.’ And he wore it better than any championship he ever held.”
Memorial Plans Underway
A public memorial is scheduled to be held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa — the city that raised him and the home of countless wrestling memories. WWE is planning a global tribute event at this year’s SummerSlam, and a statue in his honor is already being commissioned in Clearwater.
Nick also confirmed the family is planning a documentary project, using home videos and personal letters from Hogan to tell the “true story” of the man behind the character.
Hulkamania Lives Forever
Though the man is gone, Hulkamania — the phenomenon, the spirit, the legacy — endures.
In locker rooms, playgrounds, and even among aging millennials who still remember his signature leg drop, Hogan’s message remains timeless:
“Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself.”
Nick concluded his tribute with one last promise to his father:
“You gave us your all. I’ll spend the rest of my life giving back in your name. Rest easy, Dad. I love you more than words.”
