Introduction:
Nick Hogan Shares Heartbreaking Tribute After Hulk Hogan’s Death at 71
Clearwater, FL — July 27, 2025 — Just two days after the passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, his son Nick Hogan has broken his silence, posting an emotional tribute on Instagram describing his father as his “best friend” and “the best dad in the world.”
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, died on Thursday, July 24, at age 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Florida home. Despite first responders’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Nick, 35, shared 20 photos spanning decades, alongside a heartfelt message:
“He was my mentor, my hero, and my best friend. I hugged him every chance I got and thanked him for everything.”
Nick revealed he had moved back to Florida in recent years to spend more time with his father.
“Those memories are the best moments of my life,” he wrote.
The post, filled with personal images of father and son — from gym sessions to WWE moments — has drawn support from fans and celebrities alike, including Natalya Neidhart and Lil Jon.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy spans over four decades in pro wrestling. A 12-time world champion, Hogan became the face of the WWF (now WWE) in the 1980s and later helped revolutionize wrestling during the WCW NWO era. His larger-than-life persona, iconic catchphrase, and cultural presence made him one of the most recognized figures in sports entertainment.
Tributes have poured in from across the wrestling world. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote:
“To millions of kids, you were a hero. Thank you for the house, brother.”
WWE confirmed his passing, praising Hogan’s contributions to making wrestling a global phenomenon.
Despite past controversies, including a leaked tape in 2015 and political backlash in 2024, Hogan remained an enduring — if complex — icon. His wife Sky Daily shared her grief, calling the loss “sudden and impossible to process.”
As fans remember Hulk Hogan as a legend, Nick remembers him as “Big Dog” — the father who raised him, inspired him, and leaves behind a legacy far beyond the ring.