The wrestling world and beyond came together to mourn the loss of Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, who passed away at age 71 on July 24, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida, home. The iconic figure, whose “Hulkamania” phenomenon transformed professional wrestling into a global spectacle, was laid to rest in a series of heartfelt tributes that celebrated his larger-than-life legacy. From tearful eulogies by wrestling peers to emotional reflections from his daughter Brooke Hogan and political figures like Donald Trump, the funeral tributes underscored Hogan’s indelible mark on pop culture. This article, drawing on recent reports and social media sentiment, explores the poignant moments from Hogan’s memorial, his daughter’s regrets, and the enduring impact of his career.

The Final Farewell: Funeral Tributes for a Wrestling Titan

Hogan’s funeral, held in Clearwater, Florida, on July 30, 2025, drew a diverse crowd of family, friends, wrestling icons, and fans, though specific details of the private ceremony were kept limited per the family’s wishes, as reported by TMZ. A public memorial followed at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, where thousands gathered to honor the man who defined an era. WWE, which Hogan helped elevate to global prominence, organized the event, featuring video montages of his career highlights set to his iconic entrance theme, “Real American” by Rick Derringer.

Wrestling legend Ric Flair, a longtime friend and rival, delivered a tearful eulogy, breaking down as he recalled their decades-long bond. “Hulk was there for me through everything,” Flair said, his voice cracking, as reported by TMZ. “We were enemies in the ring, but outside it, he was my brother.” Flair’s emotional tribute, shared widely on X, highlighted Hogan’s loyalty, noting how he supported Flair during personal tragedies, including the loss of his son.

Other wrestling luminaries, including Triple H and Torrie Wilson, paid their respects. Triple H, in a statement on X, called Hogan “the archetype of a Superstar,” crediting him with inspiring millions and shaping WWE’s global reach. Wilson, a WWE Hall of Famer, shared a heartfelt Instagram post: “My heart breaks for Terry’s family. I’ll be a Hulkster forever.” The memorial also featured a video from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who recounted facing Hogan at WrestleMania X8 in 2002 as a career-defining moment. “He was my childhood hero,” The Rock said, per Newsweek, emphasizing Hogan’s charisma and influence.

Brooke Hogan’s Heart-Wrenching Regret

Among the most poignant moments was Brooke Hogan’s tribute to her father, delivered via a pre-recorded video due to her absence from the funeral, a decision rooted in her eight-year estrangement from Hogan. As reported by TMZ, Brooke, 37, tearfully reflected on their final phone call two weeks before Hogan’s 2023 wedding to Sky Daily. “I told him I loved him and to slow down,” she said, referencing his health struggles, including a recent cervical spine surgery. “But I wish I could’ve told him how much I loved him.”

Brooke’s regret, shared with close friends, resonated deeply with fans on X, where users like @CherylSkaggs7 praised her for finding peace in their last “I love you.” The estrangement stemmed from family turmoil post-Hogan’s 2007 divorce from Linda Hogan, compounded by Brooke’s decision to distance herself for personal healing, as she explained in a 2023 Instagram post. Her absence from the funeral sparked mixed reactions, with some, like @MacFamilyOnline on X, criticizing her, while others defended her right to grieve privately.

Political Tributes and Hogan’s MAGA Legacy

Hogan’s recent alignment with Republican politics, particularly his high-profile appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC), brought political figures into the fold. At the RNC, Hogan ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump/Vance logo, declaring, “Let Trump-a-mania run wild, brother!” Former President Donald Trump, a longtime friend, ordered federal flags at half-mast and posted on Truth Social, calling Hogan “MAGA all the way” with “the biggest heart.”

Vice President JD Vance shared a personal anecdote on X, recalling childhood admiration for Hogan and a promise to share beers, now unfulfilled. “The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend,” Vance wrote. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, despite a heckler interrupting his tribute, praised Hogan’s cultural impact, though the moment was marred by political tension over immigration policies. These tributes, while heartfelt, drew criticism from some who felt Hogan’s political stance and past controversies overshadowed his wrestling legacy, as noted in posts on X.

Hogan’s Wrestling Legacy: From Hulkamania to Controversy

Hogan’s career began in 1977, but his rise in the 1980s under Vince McMahon’s WWF (now WWE) made him a household name. His 1984 victory over The Iron Sheik for the WWF Heavyweight Championship sparked “Hulkamania,” a cultural phenomenon defined by his red-and-yellow gear, “24-inch pythons,” and catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” His iconic body slam of André the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987, before 93,173 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, remains a defining moment in wrestling history.

In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hogan, leading the New World Order (NWO) in WCW, propelling the company to an 18-month ratings dominance over WWE. His 2002 return to WWE, facing The Rock, cemented his enduring draw. Beyond wrestling, Hogan starred in films like Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips and led the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best (2005-2007), featuring Brooke, Nick, and ex-wife Linda.

However, Hogan’s legacy is not without blemish. In 2015, a leaked audio from a 2007 sex tape revealed him using racial slurs, leading to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame. His $31 million lawsuit against Gawker, backed by Peter Thiel, raised First Amendment concerns but resulted in a settlement. Hogan’s reinstatement in 2018 and second Hall of Fame induction in 2020 for the NWO were polarizing, with some, like Andscape, arguing his racist remarks defined him more than his wrestling feats.

Health Struggles and Final Days

Hogan’s health had been a concern in recent years, with multiple surgeries for wrestling-related injuries, including a four-level cervical spine fusion in early 2025 that left him using a cane. Rumors of a coma were debunked by his wife, Sky Daily, who insisted his heart was strong. On July 24, 2025, Clearwater Fire & Rescue responded to a cardiac arrest call at 9:51 a.m., but Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital at 11:17 a.m. Police found no foul play, and Hogan was surrounded by loved ones, per his Instagram statement.

Hogan’s final months were active, with appearances to promote his Real American Beer and Real American Freestyle wrestling league, reflecting his unrelenting passion for the sport. His manager, Jimmy Hart, vowed to keep “the megaphone going” in Hogan’s honor, ensuring the red-and-yellow legacy endures.

Public Sentiment and Cultural Impact

Social media reflected a mix of grief and debate. X posts from @usatodayvideo and @extratv highlighted tributes from Flair, Sylvester Stallone, and Brooke Shields, while @FOX8NOLA noted anger over Hogan’s racial slurs. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer called Hogan “the most famous pro wrestler who ever lived,” emphasizing his unmatched draw. Fans shared memories of mimicking Hogan’s shirt-ripping antics, while others, like @FakePaulApostle, celebrated his “mighty gladiator” persona.

Hogan’s cultural impact extended beyond wrestling, influencing politics, film, and reality TV. His ability to transcend the ring made him a global icon, but his controversies ensured a complex legacy. The funeral tributes, blending nostalgia with raw emotion, captured this duality, honoring a man who was both a trailblazer and a flawed human.

Conclusion

Hulk Hogan’s funeral tributes on July 30, 2025, were a fitting farewell to a wrestling legend whose charisma and theatrics reshaped an industry. From Ric Flair’s tearful eulogy to Brooke Hogan’s heartfelt regret over their final call, the memorial reflected the personal and professional impact of a man who lived large. Political figures, wrestlers, and fans united to celebrate his “Hulkamania” legacy, even as debates over his controversies persisted. As Brooke’s words echoed—wishing she had expressed her love more deeply—the tributes served as a reminder to cherish those we hold dear. Hogan’s red-and-yellow spirit, immortalized in the ring and beyond, will continue to inspire, even as the world grapples with the complexities of his life.