In the glittering yet brutal world of professional wrestling, where larger-than-life personas clash in epic battles, no one embodied the drama quite like Hulk Hogan. The man born Terry Gene Bollea, who rose from humble beginnings to become the “Immortal” Hulk Hogan, captivated millions with his signature red and yellow bandana, thunderous leg drops, and chants of “Hulkamania.” But now, in a twist more shocking than any scripted WWE plotline, Hogan’s death on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71 has unleashed a real-life feud that threatens to tear his family apart. His will, shrouded in secrecy and governed by Florida’s unforgiving inheritance laws, has sparked an explosive battle over his estimated $25 million fortune—pitting his third wife, Sky Daily, against his estranged children and potentially exposing long-buried family secrets.

The news of Hogan’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from wrestling legends like Ric Flair and Triple H. Yet, beneath the heartfelt eulogies lies a brewing storm. Insiders reveal that tensions are at a boiling point, with whispers of legal challenges, contested assets, and accusations of undue influence. As the dust settles on Hogan’s storied life, the question looms: Will his legacy be one of triumph, or will it be forever tainted by a vicious inheritance war?

The Rise and Fall of an Icon: Hulk Hogan’s Turbulent Life

To understand the drama unfolding today, one must first revisit the rollercoaster that was Hulk Hogan’s life. Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Terry Bollea grew up in Tampa, Florida, dreaming of rock stardom before fate steered him toward the squared circle. Discovered by wrestling promoters in the late 1970s, he adopted the moniker “Hulk Hogan” after a chance comparison to the Incredible Hulk. His breakthrough came in the 1980s under Vince McMahon’s WWF (now WWE), where he headlined WrestleMania after WrestleMania, defeating foes like André the Giant and turning wrestling into a global phenomenon.

Hogan’s persona was unbreakable: the all-American hero preaching “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins” to legions of young fans. Off the ring, however, his personal life was a minefield of scandals. His first marriage to Linda Claridge in 1983 produced two children—daughter Brooke (born 1988) and son Nick (born 1990)—and spawned a reality TV hit that aired from 2005 to 2007. But the show inadvertently exposed cracks in the family facade. Nick’s 2007 car accident, which left his friend paralyzed, plunged the Hogans into legal and emotional turmoil. Hogan faced backlash for recorded jailhouse conversations that derailed his public image.

The family imploded further with Hogan’s acrimonious 2009 divorce from Linda, who accused him of infidelity and financial misconduct. Hogan lost millions in the settlement, including half his assets and alimony payments. He remarried Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, but that union ended in 2022 amid rumors of incompatibility. Enter Sky Daily, a yoga instructor 25 years his junior, whom Hogan married in September 2023 after a whirlwind romance. Their Clearwater, Florida, wedding was intimate, but it raised eyebrows among Hogan’s inner circle, who questioned the speed of the relationship.

Hogan’s health had been declining in recent years. Multiple back surgeries, hip replacements, and the toll of decades in the ring left him frail. His final public appearance was at a WWE event earlier in 2025, where he appeared subdued. On July 24, paramedics rushed to his Florida home following a 911 call, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The cause? Officially listed as complications from heart issues, but rumors swirl of underlying conditions exacerbated by his punishing career.

As fans mourned, the focus shifted to his estate. Hogan’s net worth, bolstered by wrestling royalties, merchandise, endorsements, and real estate—including an $11.5 million mansion—stands at around $25 million. But under Florida law, where Hogan resided, spouses are entitled to an “elective share” of at least 30% of the estate, regardless of the will’s contents. This provision, designed to protect surviving partners, has instead become the fuse for a potential explosion.

The Bombshell Will: Sky Daily’s Claim and the Family’s Fury

Details of Hogan’s will remain sealed, but legal experts paint a picture of impending chaos. An estate planning paralegal explained that Hogan likely structured his assets in a trust to minimize taxes and probate delays. However, Florida’s elective share law overrides such maneuvers for spouses. Sky Daily, as his legal wife at the time of death, is poised to inherit at least 30%—that’s roughly $7.5 million—whether Hogan intended it or not. If the will favors her even more, or if there’s evidence of recent changes, expect fireworks.

Sky, 49, a fitness enthusiast with no prior ties to wrestling fame, met Hogan in 2022 at a bar. Their relationship moved fast: engagement in July 2023, marriage two months later. Hogan publicly gushed about her, calling her his “soulmate” in interviews. But family insiders claim his children viewed her as an opportunist. Brooke Hogan, now 37 and a singer/reality star, has been estranged from her father since 2015, following a scandal that derailed her career. She skipped his wedding to Sky, citing “personal reasons,” and has spoken cryptically about “toxic family dynamics” in public appearances.

Nick, 35, has his own baggage. After serving time for the 2007 crash, he pursued racing and DJing but struggled with addiction and legal issues. Hogan bailed him out repeatedly, but their bond frayed. With Hogan’s death, Nick may feel entitled to a larger slice, especially if the will reflects Hogan’s past promises to “take care of” his kids.

The drama escalated when reports surfaced that Sky stands to inherit nearly a third of the fortune, creating a major rift. Family members, speculated to include Brooke and Nick, are reportedly furious, viewing Sky’s share as disproportionate given the marriage’s brevity. One outlet suggested Hogan’s will could trigger a bitter family feud with his new wife at the center.

What makes this battle so riveting? The possibility of contested elements. If Hogan revised his will post-marriage—perhaps under Sky’s influence—his children could challenge it on grounds of undue influence or diminished capacity. Hogan’s health woes, including painkiller use, might fuel arguments that he wasn’t of sound mind. Moreover, assets like Hogan’s WWE royalties and memorabilia could be hotly disputed. A legal analyst noted, “This isn’t just cash; it’s intellectual property that generates ongoing income. Who controls Hulkamania? That could be worth millions more.”

Echoes of Past Scandals: A Family Fractured

This isn’t the Hogans’ first rodeo with public strife. The 2009 divorce from Linda was a spectacle: she received 70% of their liquid assets, the beach house, and cars, while Hogan claimed poverty. Linda accused him of hiding money; he countered with tales of her extravagance. The fallout alienated the children—Brooke sided with her mother, Nick with his father—creating rifts that never fully healed.

Then came the 2012 sex tape scandal, where Hogan was filmed with his best friend’s wife, leading to a $140 million lawsuit that bankrupted a media outlet. While it restored some of Hogan’s finances, it exposed his private life, further tarnishing the family name. Brooke publicly distanced herself, stating in a 2015 interview, “I’ve had to deal with the consequences of his actions, and it’s not fair.” Her career suffered; music deals dried up, and she retreated from the spotlight.

Nick’s troubles added fuel to the fire. The 2007 accident not only paralyzed his friend but also led to Nick’s eight-month jail stint. Hogan’s jail visits revealed tensions that further damaged the family image. Nick later dabbled in wrestling but couldn’t escape his past, facing DUIs and restraining orders. A source close to Nick confided, “Dad always said he’d be there, but after everything, it’s like we’re strangers.”

Sky’s arrival deepened the divide. Brooke reportedly confronted Hogan about his health in their last conversation in September 2023, urging him to slow down. He dismissed her concerns, insisting on his terms for reconciliation. “He wanted control, even in family matters,” Brooke allegedly shared with friends. She missed the wedding, posting on social media about “choosing peace over drama.” Now, with Hogan gone, that peace seems shattered.

The Legal Labyrinth: Florida’s Elective Share and Potential Challenges

At the heart of this saga is Florida’s elective share statute, a law that ensures surviving spouses aren’t disinherited. The spouse can claim 30% of the estate, which includes probate assets, trusts, and even jointly held property. For Hogan’s $25 million empire, this means Sky could walk away with at least $7.5 million—potentially more if the will is generous.

But the children aren’t powerless. If they suspect foul play, they can contest the will. Grounds include undue influence, where Sky might have pressured a vulnerable Hogan, or lack of capacity due to his health. An estate attorney noted, “Hogan’s surgeries and medications could be key evidence. If revisions favor Sky disproportionately, a judge might scrutinize them.”

Probate could drag on for years, especially with high-value assets like Hogan’s Clearwater mansion or his stake in Hulkamania branding. WWE royalties alone generate six figures annually. One lawyer warned, “This could turn into a courtroom circus,” drawing parallels to celebrity estates where family battles eroded fortunes in legal fees.

Sky has broken her silence with an emotional social media tribute: “I wasn’t ready for this… and my heart is in pieces.” Insiders say she’s devastated but resolute, hiring top lawyers to secure her share. “She was his rock in the end,” a friend claimed. Yet, accusations fly that she’s “locking down” the estate, fueling suspicions.

Voices from the Ring: Wrestling Peers Weigh In

The wrestling world watches with bated breath. Ric Flair, Hogan’s longtime rival and friend, lamented, “Hulk was larger than life, but family comes first. I hope they sort this without more pain.” Triple H, a WWE executive, hinted at a tribute show but stayed mum on the feud. “Hulk’s legacy is in the ring, not the courts,” he said.

Former WWE star John Cena, who idolized Hogan, added a poignant note: “Hulk taught us about brotherhood, but real life isn’t scripted. Praying for his family.” Yet, some peers whisper about Hogan’s controlling nature, echoing Brooke’s grievances.

Social media erupts with opinions. Fans debate online: “Sky deserves it—she stuck by him,” versus “The kids built Hulkamania with him; it’s their birthright.” One viral post quipped, “This feud makes WrestleMania look tame.”

The Human Cost: Grief Amid Greed

Beyond the dollars, this war exposes raw emotions. Brooke’s final words to her father were reportedly, “I love you,” in that tense 2023 call. She’s grateful for that closure but heartbroken over the estrangement. “We had issues, but he was my dad,” she shared in a tearful statement.

Nick, quieter publicly, faces his demons anew. Friends worry the stress could trigger a relapse. “He’s lost his anchor,” one said.

Sky, thrust into the villain role, insists her love was genuine. “We built a life together; this isn’t about money.” But with lawsuits looming, her words ring hollow to skeptics.

A Legacy in Peril: What Happens Next?

As probate unfolds in Florida courts, the Hogan family teeters on the brink. Will Brooke and Nick unite against Sky, or fracture further? Could mediation avert a trial, preserving what’s left of Hulkamania’s shine?

One thing’s certain: Hogan’s death has scripted a finale more dramatic than any pinfall. From the roar of the crowd to the silence of a courtroom, his empire hangs in the balance. In the end, the real winner might be the lawyers, while the family pays the ultimate price.

The world waits, breath held, for the next bell to ring in this inheritance showdown. Hulk Hogan may be gone, but the fight lives on—fiercer, more personal, and utterly heartbreaking.