WWE paid homage to the iconic Hulk Hogan during Friday Night SmackDown, just one day after the wrestling legend's passing.
The event, held at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, commenced with WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, known as Triple H, taking center stage alongside the entire SmackDown roster and notable WWE legends such as 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 stated. “A man I grew up watching, was fortunate enough to share the ring with and like so many of us, was honored to call a friend. The truth is, he captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe. We would not be standing here right now, all of us together, if it was not for him.”
Following his remarks, a ten-bell salute echoed through the arena, met with chants of “Hogan!” from the crowd as a video montage showcasing Hogan’s illustrious career played on the screens.
Hogan passed away on Thursday, July 24, due to cardiac arrest at his home, as confirmed by the Clearwater Police Department. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was 71 years old.
Renowned as one of the most influential and beloved professional wrestlers in history, Hogan made his WWE debut in November 1979. His relationship with the company spanned decades, marked by both triumphs and controversies.
His last appearance on WWE programming occurred in January during Raw’s debut on Netflix in Los Angeles.
In the wake of his death, tributes poured in from prominent figures within the wrestling community. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson referred to Hogan as his “childhood hero” in a post on social media, reminiscing about their legendary match at WrestleMania X8.
“The match was to decide who would go down in history as The Greatest of All Time,” Johnson reflected. “When you kick out of my Rock Bottom finisher – just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC…all for you. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career. It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you.”
He continued with admiration, “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, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time.”
Levesque also shared his thoughts on social media, stating that no one “loomed larger” than Hogan. “He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ — a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world,” he wrote.
He added, “There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker also expressed his condolences online. “The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative,” he wrote. “Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”
