In a stunning display of family resilience mixed with explosive revelations, Hulk Hogan’s widow, Sky Daily, turned what should have been a somber birthday for stepson Nick Hogan into a moment that has the wrestling world buzzing. Just three days after the legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, at age 71, Sky took to Instagram to honor Nick’s 35th birthday on July 27. But her tribute wasn’t just heartfelt—it included a bombshell statement that left fans reeling, hinting at hidden family secrets and a dramatic inheritance twist. Meanwhile, Nick’s own response escalated the drama, with a shocking action that has sparked widespread controversy and debate online.

The Sudden Loss of a Wrestling Icon

The news of Terry Gene Bollea—better known as Hulk Hogan—dying from acute myocardial infarction (a heart attack) sent shockwaves through the entertainment and sports worlds. Confirmed by Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside, Hogan’s death occurred at 11:17 AM local time, as reported by TMZ and later detailed by CNN and Page Six. The family released an emotional statement on social media: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend… May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Hogan, a WWE Hall of Famer whose larger-than-life persona defined professional wrestling in the 1980s and beyond, had crossed over into movies, reality TV, and pop culture. His death came amid a life of triumphs and controversies, including a high-profile sex tape scandal and racial slur incident that briefly derailed his career. Yet, in his final years, Hogan found peace through faith, marrying Sky Daily in September 2023 and undergoing a joint baptism that symbolized their renewed commitment to spirituality and family.

Sky Daily’s Emotional Outpouring: “To Me, He Was My Terry—And He Left Behind Secrets I Can’t Ignore”

Sky Daily, Hogan’s third wife and a yoga instructor who brought three children into the marriage, broke her silence with raw vulnerability. In her Instagram post following the loss, she wrote: “This loss is sudden and impossible to process. To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart.” But it was her birthday tribute to Nick that truly ignited the firestorm. Amid the grief, Sky shared a series of photos of Nick with his father, captioning: “Happy birthday @nickhogan! We love you so much. Your dad couldn’t have been prouder of the son you are… loyal, loving, hard-working, and always there when it mattered most.”

Then came the shocker: Sky added a cryptic line that has everyone talking. “The strength and heart you’ve shown all along means more than I can say. I’m so grateful for you, and I know Terry felt the same every single day. He even confided in me before he passed that if anything happened, you’d inherit not just his legacy, but the family secrets he kept hidden for decades—to protect us all.” Fans and media outlets immediately speculated: What secrets? Could this refer to Hogan’s infamous 2007 family scandal involving Nick’s car crash that left a friend paralyzed, or something even deeper, like undisclosed financial dealings or personal regrets from Hogan’s wild rock-star lifestyle?

Sky’s words, delivered with apparent sincerity, have been called everything from a loving gesture to a calculated bombshell. Critics on social media accused her of stirring drama during mourning, with one X user tweeting, “Sky just dropped a grenade on the Hogan family grave—secrets? Inheritance? This is reality TV level mess!” Others defended her, praising the vulnerability as a sign of true family bonds.

Nick Hogan’s Controversial Response: A Shocking Public Act That Stunned Fans

Nick Hogan, Hulk’s son from his first marriage to Linda Hogan, responded to Sky’s tribute with gratitude: “Thank you so much Sky, I really appreciate everything you did for my father and are doing for all of us at this time.” But Nick didn’t stop there. In a move that has been labeled as “reckless” and “cathartic” by observers, he followed up with his own Instagram post just hours later—a raw, unfiltered video from 2018 where he and his father reconciled over past traumas. In the clip, a tearful Hulk admits, “I messed up big time with you, kid. That crash? It was on me for not being there enough. But you’re my blood, and I’ll fight for you forever.”

Nick captioned the video: “Dad was my hero, mentor, and best friend. Posting this now because the world needs to see the real Terry—not the Hulk. He forgave me for everything, even when I didn’t deserve it. And Sky’s right—there are secrets, but they’re ours to heal from.” The video, which garnered over 2 million views in 24 hours, reignited debates about the 2007 accident where Nick, then 17, was driving under the influence, resulting in a prison sentence and lifelong guilt. Some hailed Nick’s transparency as brave, while others slammed it as exploitative, with comments like “Timing is everything—why drag up old pain now? This family is imploding!”

The Hogan Family’s United Front Amid the Chaos

Despite the added drama, the tributes highlight a family clinging to love in tragedy. Sky, who blended her family with Hogan’s—including daughter Brooke—has emphasized unity. Nick’s emotional homage two days after the death featured childhood photos and recent moments, underscoring: “My dad was the most incredible person I’ve ever known and will always be my hero… He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend.”

Hogan’s legacy as a wrestler who inspired generations remains intact, but these revelations paint a more complex picture: a man haunted by personal demons yet devoted to redemption. As the family navigates grief, Sky’s cryptic words and Nick’s bold video have turned mourning into a media spectacle, proving that even in death, Hulk Hogan’s life is as dramatic as his ring entrances.

With fans dissecting every post, one thing is clear: The Hogan saga isn’t over. As Sky hinted, more “secrets” may surface, keeping the world hooked on this real-life wrestling drama.