WWE Star Brutus Beefcake Mourns Hulk Hogan’s Death with Heartfelt Regret

In a heartfelt reflection, WWE Hall of Famer Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, whose real name is Ed Leslie, shared his deep regret over not visiting his longtime friend Hulk Hogan before the wrestling icon passed away at 71. Speaking recently, Beefcake revealed he had heard troubling rumors about Hogan's health and contemplated visiting his Clearwater, Florida, home.

"I was so close to going over there just days ago," Beefcake admitted. "But the fear of being turned away at the door stopped me. Now, I wish I had taken that chance to see him one last time." The pain of missed opportunity was evident as he spoke of what he would have said to Hogan: "I love you, brother, and we were truly friends to the end."

Beefcake credited Hogan with launching his career in pro wrestling, emphasizing the depth of their bond. He recalled a particularly poignant moment from 1990 when he suffered a near-fatal parasailing accident. Hogan, despite personal commitments, flew to Florida to be by his side. "He told me I was going to live when even the doctors doubted it," Beefcake remembered. "And I did, because he was there when I needed him most."

The two shared a storied history, from teaming up as The Boulder Brothers in their early days to headlining major events like WCW’s Starrcade in 1994. Hogan’s passing, following a cardiac event at his home and a brief hospital stay, marks the end of an era for wrestling fans and personal friends like Beefcake, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019.

This loss isn’t just about a legend leaving the ring—it’s about the unspoken words and unshared moments that weigh heavy on those left behind.