Nick Hogan’s First Public Appearance Since Father’s Death

At WWE’s Monday Night Raw in Detroit on July 28, 2025, Nick Hogan and his wife Tana Lea made an emotional appearance onstage to honor his late father, legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan. It was his first public appearance since the icon died four days ago from heart arrest at the age of 71.

Nick, accompanied by WWE executives, stars, and wrestling greats like Eric Bischoff, fought back tears while watching a video montage of his father’s career highlights and the solemn 10-bell salute while wearing a somber black suit.

Raw’s Tribute: A Night of Remembrance

The show began with a customary 10-bell salute, with the whole cast standing on stage in harmony. WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H (Paul “Triple H” Levesque) offered an emotional tribute, stating:

“He captivated millions … we would not be standing here right now … if it was not for him.” 

A video package featuring Hulk’s most iconic moments—set to the song “Ordinary” by Alex Warren—played to rousing fan chants of “Hogan! Hogan!”, making it one of Raw’s most moving tributes. 

Vince McMahon made a brief appearance in the film with Hogan, which is an uncommon sight since his departure from WWE. Fans appreciated the significance of this inclusion in the two’s legacy-building partnership.

Nick’s Emotional Moment onstage

Nick stood in the heart of the ceremony, obviously unhappy as he absorbed the WWE Universe’s outpouring of support—and personally experienced public distress. Page Six and the New York Post caught how he battled to fight back tears, with Tana Lea calming him throughout.

In prior Instagram posts on Sunday, Nick referred to Hulk Hogan as his “hero” and “best friend,” expressing thanks for their recent years together in Florida.

WWE’s Unified Farewell

Both WWE shows included the tribute: Raw gave the ultimate farewell, while SmackDown had already included a similar memorial section. Legends such as Eric Bischoff, Jimmy Hart, and others joined roster members on the ramp in respectful support.

The enormous support and symbolism, particularly with Triple H leading the tribute, emphasized Hogan’s importance to WWE’s worldwide growth and storytelling legacy.

Legacy of World Wrestling Icon

Hulk Hogan’s legacy spans decades. As one of the first WWE superstars to become a household name in the 1980s, he helped elevate WrestleMania to cultural prominence and subsequently influenced the famous nWo period in WCW. His demise signals the end of an era in professional wrestling.

In his statement, Ric Flair lamented the loss and mentioned Hogan’s significance in important wrestling times as well as the physical toll wrestling takes.

Final Takeaway

Nick Hogan’s tearful homage at Raw was a very personal and public farewell to one of wrestling’s greatest superstars. WWE’s production, from the 10-bell tribute to prior video with Vince McMahon, emphasized Hulk Hogan’s critical role in building the company’s image.

As fans chanted and reflected, Nick’s poise and vulnerability brought the tribute full circle: a son honoring his father in the ring that defined him. Hogan’s impact lives on in the walls he helped construct, as well as the relationship he left behind.