How WWE Honored Hulk Hogan on ‘SmackDown’ Following His Passing
WWE paid tribute to Hulk Hogan on Friday Night SmackDown, just a day after the iconic wrestler’s passing.
The show on Friday, July 25, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, commenced with WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque (also known as Triple H) taking the stage, accompanied by the entire SmackDown roster and several WWE legends, including Jimmy Hart, Ted DiBiase, Sgt. Slaughter, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.
“Ladies and gentlemen, yesterday we lost one of the biggest and most globally recognized icons in the world,” Levesque, 55, stated. “A man I grew up watching, had the fortune to share the ring with, and like many of us, was honored to call a friend. He captivated millions of people and inspired them all over the globe. We wouldn’t be standing here together if it wasn’t for him.”
Levesque then led a ten-bell salute, which was followed by the Cleveland audience chanting “Hogan!” as a video montage celebrating the wrestler’s career began to play.
Hogan died on Thursday, July 24, due to cardiac arrest at his residence, as reported by the Clearwater Police Department. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
He was 71 years old.
One of the most influential and admired professional wrestlers in history, Hogan made his WWE debut in November 1979, enjoying a long and tumultuous relationship with the company marked by ups, downs, and controversy.
Hogan’s last appearance on WWE programming was in January, during the debut of Raw on Netflix in Los Angeles.
Following the announcement of his death, Hogan was honored by numerous prominent figures in the wrestling world.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson referred to Hogan as his “childhood hero” in a post via X on Friday, July 25, reminiscing about their memorable match at WrestleMania X8.
“The match was to determine who would be heralded as The Greatest of All Time,” Johnson, 53, expressed. “When you kicked out of my Rock Bottom finisher – just hear and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC…all for you. I’ve never experienced anything like that in my wrestling career. It takes two to dance, but that unforgettable crowd reaction was all for you.”
He continued, “You may have ‘passed the torch’ to me that night, but you, my friend…you ‘drew the house,’ meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, cementing your legacy as the greatest of all time.”
On social media, Levesque remarked that no one “loomed larger” than Hogan.
“He was the epitome of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ — a global phenomenon that inspired millions to pursue their dreams with vigor and a presence that made him instantly recognizable to fans worldwide,” Levesque, 55, noted via X on Thursday.
He added, “There was no one like The Hulkster, and there may never be another. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans.”
WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker, who defeated Hogan for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series in 1991, also shared his condolences on social media.
“The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our industry are immeasurable, and for that, I am grateful,” The Undertaker, 60, stated via X. “Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”
