Hulk Hogan’s devastated son Nick appears to fight back tears during emotional WWE tribute to late icon
Hulk Hogan’s son Nick appeared to fight back tears following an emotional tribute to his late father at WWE SummerSlam 2025.
The wrestling legend died at the age of 71 last month after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency services rushed him to a local hospital but the WWE icon was ultimately declared dead.
In the days that followed, tributes from friends, family and fans poured in for Hogan – including a heartbreaking post from his son, Nick.
Nick paid tribute to his ‘best friend’ in the statement and later appeared at WWE’s Monday Night Raw to honor his late father alongside the company’s biggest stars.
On Saturday night, Nick was once again seen in the front row at the WWE – this time for SummerSlam 2025 – and watched on as an emotional tribute for Hogan played.
The tribute showcased photos of Hogan from throughout his WWE career and heaped praise on the ‘larger than life’ figure and his career inside the squared circle.
Nick Hogan fought back tears after an emotional tribute to his late father at SummerSlam 2025
The wrestling legend died last month at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest
After the tribute was played, cameras immediately cut to Hogan’s son, Nick, who was visibly emotional after watching the video.
The WWE icon’s son appeared to fight back tears as he put his hands together – in a ‘prayer’ gesture – before then clapping back to the audience who cheered him on.
The WWE played Hogan’s classic theme song ‘Real American’ at the conclusion of a video package – which was a real tearjerker for any wrestling fan.
Just six days earlier, Nick stood alongside WWE stars past and present for a 10-bell salute to his father during the company’s Monday Night RAW show.
His wife Tana Lea was also seen wiping away tears after joining her husband on stage for the event in Detroit.
Prior to the 10-bell salute, a tribute read out by WWE legend and current chief content officer Triple H at Friday night’s SmackDown show was played into the arena.
‘He captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe,’ Triple H, whose real name is Paul Levesque, said about Hulk. ‘We would not be standing here right now – all of us together – if it was not for him.’
A touching video montage of his greatest WWE moments was then displayed, which left Nick on the verge of tears four days on from his dad’s passing.
The 35-year-old previously shared a series of photos of himself and his father to Instagram
Meanwhile, prior to that, Nick had shared a heartbreaking statement where he also shared a series of throwback photos of him with his father.
‘Hearing so many kind words and stories about my dad’s life, interactions and experiences with everyone has been incredible and comforting,’ Nick wrote alongside a series of throwback photos of him with his dad on Instagram.
‘My dad was the most incredible person I’ve ever known and will always be my hero. He was the most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for.
‘I feel so blessed to have had the greatest dad in the world. He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend. He always has been my best friend and I love him and miss him more than I could ever explain.
‘I thanked him for everything he has ever done for me and told him how much I loved him and hugged him every chance I got.
‘I spent a lot of time with him the past few years after moving back to Florida to be closer to him and I am so grateful for those memories. They are the best moments in my life.’
Hulk is also survived by his daughter Brooke, 37, and wife, Sky Daily, as well as his ex-wife Linda.
