The wrestling world was left reeling on July 24, 2025, when WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Among those deeply affected by his sudden death was his ex-wife, Linda Hogan, who shared a raw and emotional video on social media, breaking down in tears as she mourned the loss of the man she was married to for 26 years. In her tribute, Linda revealed a poignant final message from Hulk, shedding light on their complex relationship and the enduring bond they shared despite their tumultuous past. This article explores Linda’s emotional response, the context of their relationship, and the last words Hulk Hogan left for her, as reported across various sources.

A Heartbreaking Tribute

Just days after Hulk Hogan’s unexpected passing, Linda Hogan, 65, took to Instagram to express her grief. In a tearful video that has since gone viral, she spoke candidly about the shock and devastation she felt upon learning of his death. “I had no idea he would pass away this soon,” Linda wrote in a comment on her own Instagram post, dated July 28, 2025. “We all really thought he would make a comeback! Big surprise. We are all devastated. It’s hitting me so hard.” Her voice trembled as she described the pain of losing someone who had been a central figure in her life for decades, despite their divorce in 2009. The video, described by fans and media outlets as “disturbing” due to its raw emotional intensity, captured Linda’s struggle to process the loss.

Linda’s grief was compounded by the fact that she and Hulk had not spoken directly in recent years. However, their son, Nick Hogan, 34, served as a conduit for updates between them. “Nick would tell me things and vice versa,” Linda explained. “Just news about life. I still felt … although broken … we still were a family.” This sense of lingering connection made Hulk’s sudden death even more jarring for Linda, who admitted, “I tried to stay strong for Nick … but I’m melting down now. It’s very sad.” Her words resonated with fans, many of whom left messages of condolence on her Instagram post, turning it into a virtual memorial for the wrestling icon.

The Last Emotional Message

In her emotional outpouring, Linda revealed a deeply personal detail: a final message from Hulk Hogan that she received indirectly through their son, Nick. While the exact wording of the message was not fully disclosed in public reports, Linda described it as a heartfelt acknowledgment of their shared history. “I love you Hulkster. You were my man. The only man for me,” she wrote, suggesting that Hulk’s message conveyed a sense of enduring affection, despite their rocky past. Sources close to the family indicated that the message, relayed before Hulk’s heart surgery in June 2025, reflected his awareness of his health struggles and a desire to express gratitude for their years together. This revelation added a layer of poignancy to Linda’s grief, as she grappled with the finality of his passing.

A Complex Love Story

Hulk and Linda Hogan’s relationship was one of wrestling’s most publicized sagas. Married in 1983, they navigated the highs and lows of Hulk’s meteoric rise as the face of WWE’s “Hulkamania” era. Together, they raised two children, Brooke and Nick, and became household names through their VH1 reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007. However, their marriage unraveled amid allegations of infidelity, with Linda citing Hulk’s affair with Brooke’s friend, Christiane Plante, as a breaking point. The divorce, finalized in 2009, was contentious, marked by public disputes and legal battles. Linda later wrote about the ordeal in her 2011 book, Wrestling the Hulk: My Life Against the Ropes, where she detailed the pain of betrayal and the challenges of life in the spotlight.

Despite the acrimony, Linda’s recent tributes reveal a lingering love for Hulk. In her video, she admitted, “I loved Hulkster more than he loved me. It hurt when he cheated. But he was sooo famous. I sort of understood but it was crushing.” She also confessed to never fully moving on, stating, “It’s been 20 years and I’m still this sad.” This vulnerability has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some praising her honesty and others questioning the timing of her emotional posts, given their estrangement.

Family Struggles and Estrangement

Linda’s grief is further complicated by her strained relationships with her children. In her video, she lamented the estrangement from her daughter, Brooke, 37, who has not spoken to her or Hulk for nearly eight years. “Brooke doesn’t talk to us. She’s had twins. She got married. She didn’t tell us,” Linda shared, her voice breaking. This rift, which Brooke attributed to personal reasons in a 2021 statement, has left Linda feeling isolated. However, she maintains a close bond with Nick, whom she described as “still such a good boy.” The family’s fractured dynamics, exacerbated by the divorce and Nick’s 2007 car accident that left a friend with permanent injuries, underscore the challenges Linda faces in the wake of Hulk’s death.

The Wrestling World Mourns

Hulk Hogan’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from the wrestling community, with WWE planning a 10-bell salute and a highlight package for RAW and SmackDown. Legends like The Rock, Ric Flair, and John Cena shared memories of Hogan’s impact, while fans flooded Linda’s social media with messages of support. A particularly emotional moment came during Hulk’s funeral procession, where Linda was seen breaking down in tears, a scene captured in a video by Wrestling Juice that highlighted the depth of her sorrow.

A Lasting Legacy

Hulk Hogan’s death marks the end of an era for professional wrestling. His larger-than-life persona, from his iconic WrestleMania moments to his roles in films like Rocky III, made him a cultural icon. Yet, Linda’s emotional video reminds us of the personal toll of fame. Her tears and the revelation of Hulk’s final message underscore a love that endured despite heartbreak, offering a glimpse into the human side of a wrestling legend. As Linda wrote on what would have been Hulk’s 72nd birthday, “I love and miss him so much.” Her words echo the sentiments of millions of fans, ensuring that Hulk Hogan’s legacy—and the complex love story he shared with Linda—will live on.