Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Laid to Rest in Star-Studded Ceremony
Hulk Hogan, the wrestling icon, passed away on July 24, 2025, and was memorialized at a private service in Florida on August 5.
Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Laid to Rest in Star-Studded Ceremony
Hulk Hogan, the iconic figure of professional wrestling, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. He died in his home in Clearwater, Florida, with the cause of death reported as a heart attack. Medical records also revealed that Hogan had been suffering from leukemia, leading to mixed emotions among fans and friends alike as they mourned his loss.
A private memorial service was held for Hogan on August 5, 2025, at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Clearwater, as detailed by Distractify. The intimate gathering saw the presence of notable figures from the world of wrestling and entertainment, such as his ex-wife Linda Hogan, current wife Sky Daily, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Kid Rock. Meanwhile, his daughter, Brooke Hogan, opted out of attending the funeral, respecting her father’s wishes against the formality of the occasion. She took to Instagram to share memories from their beach days and raised questions about the absence of an autopsy following his cremation.
A Celebration of a Legend
The custom memorial service was a fitting tribute for a man who was a cornerstone in WWE history. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared August 5 as „Hulk Hogan Day“ and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor. This wasn’t just about loss; it was also a celebration of a life spent entertaining millions. As HuffPost noted, the service took place at the church where Hogan had been baptized, a site now marked by security to manage the heavy attendance of fans and celebs alike. Former President Donald Trump even shared fond memories online, remembering the times spent arm-wrestling the wrestling icon.
Friends and fellow wrestlers from different generations attended the service, cementing Hogan’s reputation as a beloved figure across various realms. Ric Flair, another wrestling legend, expressed his heartfelt sentiments, stating it was „the most beautiful funeral“ he had ever attended, emphasizing the unity displayed by those who came to pay their respects.
A Complex Legacy
Hogan’s impact extended beyond the squared circle; he was also a fixture in pop culture, known for his roles in movies and the reality show „Hogan Knows Best.“ However, his life wasn’t without controversies, such as the racial slurs recorded in 2012, which resulted in a notorious lawsuit against Gawker. Yet despite the ups and downs, he famously helped stave off union organizing within the WWE during the 1980s, showcasing his influence within the industry. His legacy remains multifaceted, as he is both applauded and scrutinized, noted in various reflections after his death, including those captured by Wrestling Attitude.
Hogan’s passing has prompted WWE to honor him with tributes, holding moments of silence on shows like RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, allowing fans to join in the collective mourning of a true sports entertainment titan. Though he may no longer be in the ring, his spirit will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the hearts of fans and wrestlers around the world.
Through both cherished memories and compelling controversies, Hulk Hogan leaves behind a legacy as a global ambassador of sports entertainment, ensuring that his story will endure long after his final bow.