WWE Honors Hulk Hogan with Tribute at SmackDown Following His Passing
WWE paid tribute to the late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan with a video tribute ahead of SmackDown, commemorating his death at age 71. The tribute celebrated his decorated career, including six WWE championships, and highlighted his impact on the industry. The event took place on Friday night, following Hogan’s passing on Thursday. The tribute included clips of Hogan’s career and his entertainment ventures outside the ring. Narrator Triple-H called Hogan “the ultimate hero” and revealed that he passed away in his home surrounded by family. The SmackDown crowd erupted in applause and a chant of “Hogan! Hogan!” after the video concluded.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, started his wrestling career in Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) in the late 1970s before joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979. It was his return to the WWF, now the WWE, that catapulted him to stardom. Vince McMahon, who bought the WWF from his father, chose Hogan to be the main attraction for the company. He began his wrestling career in the WWF when he saved Bob Backlund from an attack by the Wild Samoans. This moment sparked the “Hulkamania” phenomenon, which became a defining moment in WWE history.
Hogan’s career was marked by numerous accolades, including six WWE championships, two Royal Rumble victories, and his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 as an individual and in 2020 as a member of the NWO. He also held the world heavyweight championship in WCW multiple times and the IWGP championship in New Japan Pro-Wrestling once. Despite health reports prior to his death suggesting a crisis, his wife, Sky, denied these claims, stating that Hogan was “strong” and recovering from surgeries.
The tribute also featured references to Hogan’s influence on the entertainment world, including his ventures beyond the ring. His relationship with President Donald Trump, who had a long-standing bond with the wrestler, was highlighted. Trump, who had a strong relationship with Hogan, including speaking at the Republican National Convention last year, posted a heartfelt tribute on Truth Social. Trump called Hogan a “great friend” and praised his speech at the RNC, which was described as one of the highlights of the week. Trump also noted Hogan’s recent endorsement at the RNC, where he said, “Let Trump-a-mania make America great again,” an ode to his “Hulkamania” moniker.
The tribute underscored Hogan’s enduring legacy within WWE and his lasting impact on the sports entertainment industry. Fans across the world mourned the loss of one of the industry’s most iconic figures, with the SmackDown audience expressing their deep respect and admiration for the late legend. As the WWE continues to celebrate Hogan’s contributions, his influence remains a significant part of the company’s history and culture.