WWE Honors Hulk Hogan with Emotional SmackDown Tribute After Death at 71
Sarah Johnson
July 26, 2025
Brief
WWE honors Hulk Hogan with a touching SmackDown tribute after his death at 71, celebrating the wrestling legend’s iconic career and cultural impact.
In a heartfelt moment that stirred the souls of wrestling fans worldwide, the WWE honored the legendary Hulk Hogan with a moving tribute on SmackDown, following his passing at the age of 71 on Thursday. The arena was thick with emotion as clips of Hogan’s iconic career flashed across the screens, showcasing not just a wrestler, but a cultural titan who transcended the ring.
Narrator Triple-H captured the essence of the man, dubbing him "the ultimate hero", and shared the bittersweet detail that Hogan left this world surrounded by family in the comfort of his home. The crowd’s response was thunderous—a roaring chant of "Hogan! Hogan!" that echoed the indomitable spirit of Hulkamania.
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan’s journey began in the late 1970s with Championship Wrestling from Florida, before exploding into stardom with the WWF—now WWE. Under Vince McMahon’s vision, Hogan became the face of wrestling, igniting a phenomenon that swept the globe. His accolades are staggering: a six-time WWE champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner, and a Hall of Famer both as an individual and with the NWO. Beyond WWE, he claimed six world heavyweight titles in WCW and even conquered New Japan Pro-Wrestling as IWGP champion.
Yet, Hogan’s impact reached far beyond titles. His larger-than-life persona shaped entertainment, and his recent health struggles—though downplayed by his wife, Sky, who insisted he remained "strong"—only underscored his resilience. Even political figures felt his loss, with President Donald Trump mourning a personal friend and a staunch supporter who electrified the Republican National Convention with a speech last year. Trump’s tribute on Truth Social hailed Hogan’s "massive cultural impact" and offered condolences to Sky and family.
At the RNC in July 2024, Hogan’s endorsement of Trump—complete with a playful twist on his catchphrase, "Let Trump-a-mania make America great again"—showed how his charisma never faded. As we bid farewell to the Hulkster, we’re reminded that some legends don’t just entertain; they inspire generations.
Topics
Editor's Comments
Hulk Hogan’s passing feels like the end of an era—those biceps didn’t just lift weights, they carried an entire generation of fans! And that RNC speech? He body-slammed politics with more flair than a WrestleMania main event. But seriously, isn’t it ironic that the man who preached ‘train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins’ couldn’t wrestle time itself? Hulkamania may be over, but the chants will echo forever.
Like this article? Share it with your friends!
If you find this article interesting, feel free to share it with your friends!
Thank you for your support! Sharing is the greatest encouragement for us.
