In a heart-wrenching moment that has gripped the wrestling world and beyond, former WWE star Tyrus—known in the ring as Brodus Clay—has publicly expressed profound regret and admiration following the sudden death of Hulk Hogan on July 24, 2025. The 71-year-old wrestling titan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, passed away from cardiac complications at his Clearwater, Florida, home, leaving a void in the hearts of millions. Appearing on Fox News’ America Reports just days after the tragedy, Tyrus fought back tears as he delivered a raw, emotional tribute, calling Hogan “as American as it gets” and crediting him for being “strength when I had none left to give.” This poignant outpouring not only highlights Tyrus’s deep respect for Hogan’s WWE legacy but also underscores their shared journey in the brutal, glamorous world of professional wrestling—a bond that, while indirect, resonates with themes of resilience, redemption, and brotherhood.
As the news of Hogan’s death spread like wildfire, tributes poured in from legends like Ric Flair, John Cena, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Yet, Tyrus’s response stood out for its raw vulnerability, a stark contrast to his larger-than-life persona as the “Funkasaurus” in WWE. “He was about as American as it gets,” Tyrus said, his voice cracking during the interview, reflecting on Hogan’s enduring impact on American culture and wrestling. The former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, now a Fox News contributor, didn’t shy away from expressing his regret over Hogan’s passing, lamenting the loss of a figure who embodied the grit and glory of the industry they both called home. This tribute has sparked a wave of emotion online, with fans hailing it as one of the most authentic homages to the “Immortal” Hulk Hogan, while stirring drama about the evolving landscape of WWE and the personal demons that haunted its stars.
The drama surrounding Hogan’s death has been amplified by family tensions, including his estranged daughter Brooke’s viral six-word farewell—”I love you, Dad, forever and always”—and whispers of a contested will. But Tyrus’s words add a layer of introspection, reminding us of the human connections forged in the squared circle. As we delve deeper into this story, the question arises: In a world of scripted rivalries and real-life heartbreaks, how does one wrestler’s admiration for another reveal the true soul of WWE?
Hulk Hogan: The Immortal Legend Who Defined WWE
To understand Tyrus’s profound admiration, one must revisit the rollercoaster life of Hulk Hogan, a man who transformed professional wrestling from a niche spectacle into a global phenomenon. Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Terry Bollea grew up in Tampa, Florida, initially pursuing music before fate steered him toward the ring. Discovered in the late 1970s, he adopted the name “Hulk Hogan” after a comparison to the comic book character the Incredible Hulk. His big break came in 1983 when he joined Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE), where he became the face of the 1980s wrestling boom.
Hogan’s persona was unbreakable: the all-American hero with his red and yellow bandana, thunderous leg drops, and chants of “Hulkamania is running wild!” He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985, famously body-slamming André the Giant in front of 93,000 fans at WrestleMania III in 1987—a moment etched in sports entertainment history. Hogan won six WWF World Heavyweight Championships during his initial run, preaching values like “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins” to legions of young fans. His crossover appeal led to roles in films like No Holds Barred (1989) and guest spots on shows like The A-Team, making him a pop culture icon.
But Hogan’s career wasn’t without controversy. In 1994, he jumped to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), turning heel as “Hollywood” Hogan and leading the New World Order (nWo), a faction that revolutionized wrestling with its edgy, anti-authority vibe. Returning to WWE in 2002, he won another title at Backlash against Triple H, proving his enduring draw. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 (and again in 2020 as part of the nWo), Hogan’s legacy seemed secure—until scandals struck.
A 2012 sex tape scandal involving Hogan and his best friend’s wife led to a $140 million lawsuit against Gawker Media, which he won in 2016, bankrupting the site. However, leaked audio from the tape revealed Hogan using racial slurs, resulting in his 2015 firing from WWE. The backlash was swift, alienating fans and family, including daughter Brooke, who distanced herself amid the fallout. Hogan was reinstated in 2018 after public apologies, but the damage lingered. His health declined with over 20 surgeries, including back and hip procedures, culminating in his fatal cardiac arrest on July 24, 2025.
Hogan’s $25 million estate, including a lavish Clearwater mansion and ongoing WWE royalties, has become a battleground, with his third wife Sky Daily entitled to at least 30% under Florida law. Yet, amid the drama, Tyrus’s tribute reminds us of Hogan’s indomitable spirit—a quality that inspired countless wrestlers, including Tyrus himself.
Tyrus: From WWE Funkasaurus to Media Maverick
George Murdoch, better known as Tyrus, entered the wrestling world with a physique that commanded attention—standing at 6’7″ and weighing over 350 pounds. Born on February 21, 1973, in Boston, Massachusetts, Murdoch’s path to WWE was unconventional. He worked as a bodyguard for celebrities like Snoop Dogg before signing with WWE in 2006. Initially assigned to developmental territories like Deep South Wrestling and Florida Championship Wrestling, he debuted on the main roster in 2011 as Brodus Clay, a dominant heel managed by Alberto Del Rio.
Tyrus’s WWE career took a whimsical turn in 2012 when he was repackaged as the “Funkasaurus,” a dancing giant accompanied by the Funkadactyls (Naomi and Cameron) and backed by funk music. His entrance, complete with disco lights and hip-shaking moves, became a fan favorite, blending comedy with powerhouse wrestling. He feuded with stars like Big Show and participated in events like the Royal Rumble, but never captured a major title. Released from WWE in 2014, Tyrus moved to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, now Impact Wrestling), where he adopted his current moniker and won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 2022, solidifying his status as a respected veteran.
Beyond wrestling, Tyrus transitioned into media, becoming a Fox News contributor known for his conservative commentary on shows like Gutfeld! and The Five. His book Just Tyrus (2022) detailed his rise from humble beginnings, emphasizing themes of perseverance—echoes of Hogan’s own rags-to-riches story. Tyrus has openly admired Hogan, citing him as an influence in interviews. “Hulk was the blueprint,” Tyrus once said in a 2023 podcast, praising Hogan’s ability to reinvent himself from hero to villain and back. Their shared WWE roots, though not overlapping in time—Hogan’s prime was in the ’80s and ’90s, while Tyrus rose in the 2010s—fostered a mutual respect rooted in the industry’s demands for charisma, endurance, and showmanship.
The Emotional Tribute: Tyrus’s Regret and Admiration Laid Bare
Tyrus’s tribute came during a July 25, 2025, appearance on Fox News’ America Reports, where he reflected on Hogan’s life and legacy. Struggling to compose himself, Tyrus shared fond memories, describing Hogan as “as American as it gets” and a symbol of strength and patriotism. “He was strength when I had none left to give,” Tyrus whispered, his eyes welling with tears—a raw eight-word homage that captured the essence of his regret over Hogan’s untimely death. This moment, broadcast live, went viral, with clips amassing millions of views on social media platforms like X and TikTok.
Tyrus elaborated on his admiration, tying it to their WWE connections. “In the ring, Hulk showed us how to be larger than life,” he said, recalling how Hogan’s WrestleMania spectacles inspired his own performances. Though they never shared a storyline—Tyrus debuted long after Hogan’s full-time retirement—their paths crossed at WWE events and charity functions. Tyrus credited Hogan’s resilience amid scandals as a lesson in redemption, mirroring his own career pivots from wrestling to media. “Hulk taught me that the comeback is always bigger than the setback,” Tyrus noted, expressing regret that Hogan’s health battles ended so abruptly.
The tribute’s drama intensified when Tyrus broke down, pausing to wipe his eyes. Fans speculated this vulnerability stemmed from personal parallels: both men faced public scrutiny—Hogan for his racist remarks, Tyrus for controversial political views. “It’s like losing a mentor you never met,” one X user tweeted, highlighting the emotional depth. Tyrus’s words also sparked debates about WWE’s evolution, with some fans lamenting the loss of Hogan’s era of larger-than-life heroes in favor of modern athleticism.
Fan Reactions and Wrestling Community’s Grief
The wrestling community erupted in response to Tyrus’s tribute, blending sorrow with nostalgia. On X, hashtags like #RIP HulkHogan and #TyrusTribute trended, with fans sharing stories of how Hogan inspired their love for WWE. “Tyrus nailed it—Hulk was America,” one post read, garnering thousands of likes. Others drew parallels between the two: “Both big men with big hearts, from WWE to the world stage.”
WWE honored Hogan with a tribute show on Monday Night Raw in Detroit on July 28, 2025, featuring video packages and moments of silence. Legends like Triple H and Shawn Michaels spoke, but Tyrus’s emotional clip was replayed, amplifying its impact. Ric Flair, a longtime rival and friend, echoed Tyrus: “Hulk was strength incarnate.” John Cena posted on Instagram, “Praying for his family—Hulk taught us brotherhood.”
Yet, drama lurked beneath the unity. Hogan’s scandals resurfaced, with critics on Reddit questioning his legacy. “Tyrus admiring Hulk despite the racism? Complicated,” one thread debated. Tyrus, no stranger to controversy—his Fox News role has drawn ire for conservative stances—faced backlash for idolizing Hogan. Supporters defended him, arguing redemption is key in wrestling’s narrative-driven world.
The Broader Impact: Legacy, Family Drama, and WWE’s Future
Tyrus’s regret highlights Hogan’s influence on subsequent generations. As a WWE alum, Tyrus embodied the entertainment aspect Hogan pioneered—mixing athleticism with spectacle. Hogan’s crossovers into politics, like his 2024 Republican National Convention speech supporting Donald Trump, mirrored Tyrus’s media career, where he interviewed Trump and championed similar values. “Hulk showed us how to use the platform,” Tyrus said, regretting not collaborating more.
Family drama adds tension. Brooke’s estrangement, detailed in her March 2025 Instagram post about abuse, contrasts with Tyrus’s idealized view. Her tribute, shared via husband Steven Oleksy’s Stories, revealed a fractured bond. Nick, closer to Hogan, issued a statement calling him his “best friend.” Sky Daily’s post—”My heart is in pieces”—fueled inheritance speculation, with her 30% elective share under Florida law potentially sparking feuds.
WWE’s future feels uncertain without Hogan’s shadow. Tyrus’s admiration underscores a shift: from Hogan’s cartoonish heroism to modern stars like Roman Reigns. Yet, Hogan’s royalties and memorabilia ensure his presence endures.
