At WWE SummerSlam on August 2, Nick Hogan made a poignant public appearance to honor his late father, legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan. The 35-year-old sat in the crowd with his wife, Tana Lea, visibly moved as WWE aired a tribute video celebrating Hulk’s immense legacy complete with chants, applause, and tears.
As Hulk’s iconic theme “Real American” echoed through MetLife Stadium, Nick joined the audience in clapping through tears, pressed his hand to his heart and silently prayed a deeply emotional moment that highlighted the human side behind the icons.
A Public Farewell The Tribute Unfolds
Earlier that week, WWE paid respect to Hogan on WWE Monday Night RAW with a 10‑bell salute. Nick stood center-stage alongside numerous WWE Superstars as Triple H delivered a heartfelt speech, calling Hulk one of the most globally recognized icons in sports entertainment.
Key Points of the Tribute
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | July 29, 2025 (RAW), August 2, 2025 (SummerSlam) |
| Location | Little Caesars Arena (RAW), MetLife Stadium (Slam) |
| Tribute format | 10-bell salute, video package, live speeches |
| Nick Hogan’s role | Front-and-center presence with wife Tana Lea |
| Atmosphere | Emotional silence, fan chants, shared mourning |
This farewell opened the show and featured a montage of Hulk’s career highlights, interspersed with heartfelt commentary about his influence and impact.
Personal Grief in a Public Arena
Nick Hogan had already shared his heartbreak in an Instagram tribute following his father’s passing on July 24. He called Hulk his hero and best friend, and expressed gratitude for the time they spent together, especially during the final years when he moved back to Florida to be near him.
During WWE events, Nick was flanked by his wife, clearly leaning on her support as tears welled up across multiple tributes. Fan chants of “Hogan! Hogan!” resonated throughout the arena a reminder of how deeply Hulk connected with generations of viewers and superstars alike.
Legacy, Love, and Lasting Impact
Hulk Hogan’s influence extended far beyond his championship wins. As one of the defining figures of 1980s and 1990s wrestling, he helped mainstream the sport and inspired countless performers. His undefeated SummerSlam record (6–0 from 1988 to 2005) underscores his status as a dominant force in wrestling history.
Nick’s appearances during WWE’s tributes draw a clear throughline: Hulk wasn’t just a star he was a deeply personal hero for his son. The parallels between legacy and grief played out on a stage shared by wrestlers and fans, consolidating Hulk’s mark on sports and culture.
Conclusion
Nick Hogan’s emotional presence during WWE’s tributes at Raw and SummerSlam transformed a grand stage into a deeply intimate moment. His grief, love, and memories resonated powerfully across the arena and the wrestling community, underlining a truth: behind every icon is someone who loved them most. That public display of loss and honor felt honest and timeless and fitting for Hulk Hogan, a man who carried so many worlds on his shoulders, including that of his son.