The wrestling world and beyond were shaken on July 24, 2025, when news broke of Hulk Hogan’s sudden death at the age of 71. The legendary WWE icon, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, leaving behind a legacy that transformed professional wrestling into a global phenomenon. Amid the outpouring of grief from fans, celebrities, and colleagues, Hulk’s only son, Nick Hogan, stepped forward with a deeply moving tribute that captured the personal bond they shared. Just two days after the loss, on July 26, Nick took to Instagram to honor his father, describing him as “the most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for,” a sentiment that has resonated widely as of 01:53 PM +07 on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. This heartfelt message, accompanied by a gallery of cherished memories, offers a poignant glimpse into the man behind the larger-than-life persona.
Hulk Hogan’s death came unexpectedly despite recent health challenges. Emergency services responded to a 911 call at 9:51 AM, finding him in cardiac arrest. Despite efforts by Clearwater Fire & Rescue and subsequent treatment at Morton Plant Hospital, he was pronounced dead at 11:17 AM. The police reported no signs of foul play, attributing the cause to natural causes tied to his health struggles. Hogan had undergone multiple surgeries over the years, including a neck procedure in May 2025, and rumors of declining health had circulated, though his wife, Sky Daily, had downplayed coma speculations just weeks prior. His passing marked the end of a career that began in 1977, peaked with the “Hulkamania” craze in the 1980s, and spanned movies, reality TV, and political appearances, most notably his support for Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Nick’s tribute, posted on Instagram, was a raw and emotional outpouring that contrasted with the public image of the brash wrestler. Accompanied by 20 photos spanning decades, the post featured moments of father and son together—from Nick as a child in matching “Hulkamania” gear during WWE broadcasts to recent snapshots of them working out, traveling, and sharing laughs. Nick began by acknowledging the overwhelming support he’d received, writing, “I’m sorry to everyone I have not responded to yet. This has been overwhelming and extremely difficult.” He expressed gratitude for the “kind words and stories” about his father’s life, which he found “incredible and comforting,” reflecting the global impact Hulk had beyond the ring.
At the heart of the tribute was Nick’s portrayal of Hulk as a personal hero. “My dad was the most incredible person I’ve ever known and will always be my hero,” he wrote, emphasizing Hulk’s role as a father with, “He was the most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for. I feel so blessed to have had the greatest dad in the world.” This sentiment highlighted a private side of Hulk—mentor, friend, and family man—contrasting with his public persona of tearing shirts and delivering iconic catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” Nick’s decision to move back to Florida in recent years to be closer to his father underscored their bond, with memories of their time together described as “the best moments in my life.”
The tribute also revealed the depth of their final interactions. Nick shared, “I thanked him for everything he has ever done for me and told him how much I loved him and hugged him every chance I got,” a detail that adds a layer of poignancy to Hulk’s passing. Despite the pain of loss—“I would do anything to have him back”—Nick found solace in the belief that his father is “watching over me.” He pledged to carry forward Hulk’s lessons, vowing to “make him proud,” and closed with a personal note: “Thank you for being the best dad in the world and thank you for being my best friend. I love you so much Big Dog and I will miss you forever.” This affectionate sign-off, using Hulk’s nickname, encapsulated their lifelong friendship.
Hulk’s family dynamics added context to Nick’s words. Married to Linda Hogan from 1983 to 2009, Hulk had two children, Brooke and Nick, who rose to fame on the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best from 2005 to 2007. The series showcased family life but ended amid personal turmoil, including Nick’s 2007 car accident that injured a friend and led to legal consequences, and Linda’s divorce filing citing Hulk’s infidelity. Brooke, now 37, has been estranged from her parents, a rift she addressed on Instagram in March 2025, citing personal reasons unrelated to their divorce. Nick, 35, maintained a closer tie, a bond strengthened by his return to Florida, which allowed him to support Hulk through his later health battles, including multiple back surgeries and the recent neck procedure.
The wrestling community and beyond rallied in response. WWE issued a statement mourning Hogan as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures,” crediting him with elevating the organization’s global status in the 1980s. Colleagues like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared childhood memories, recalling Hogan gifting him a headband, while Sylvester Stallone lauded his “amazing skill” in Rocky III. Sky Daily, Hulk’s third wife since 2023, posted a tearful tribute, revealing his health struggles and her unshakable faith in his strength. Nick’s presence at WWE’s Monday Night Raw on July 28, alongside his wife Tana Lee, during a 10-bell salute, further honored Hulk, with Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque calling him a “globally recognized icon.”
Public reaction has been a mix of admiration and reflection. Fans on social platforms have praised Nick’s tribute, with many moved by his depiction of Hulk as a loving father, a side less visible amid the wrestler’s controversies—racial remarks in 2015, the Gawker lawsuit, and his polarizing political stances. Some noted the irony of Hulk’s larger-than-life image clashing with his quiet family moments, while others celebrated Nick’s resilience in honoring a legacy marred by personal and professional scandals. The tribute’s timing, just days after Hulk’s death, amplified its emotional weight, offering a personal counterpoint to the public mourning.
Hulk’s health decline, hinted at by Daily and earlier reports of hospitalization, frames Nick’s gratitude for their final years. Despite disputes over coma rumors, the cardiac arrest’s suddenness shocked even those aware of his condition. Nick’s move to Florida, a decision he now cherishes, allowed him to witness Hulk’s softer side—watching The Lion King together, as Hulk once shared—contrasting with the wrestler’s tough exterior. This closeness informed Nick’s promise to uphold his father’s values, a pledge that resonates as Hulk’s legacy evolves beyond the ring.
As tributes continue, Nick Hogan’s words stand as a testament to a father-son bond that transcended fame. From the wrestling mat to quiet family moments, Hulk’s life was a complex tapestry, and Nick’s tribute weaves a thread of love and loss that will endure. For fans and family alike, this personal farewell offers a final, heartfelt salute to the “Big Dog,” ensuring his memory lives on in the lessons and love he left behind.
