Mick Foley Reflects on Hulk Hogan’s Passing: “He Made the World Brighter for a Lot of People”

Wrestling legend Mick Foley has shared his thoughts in the wake of Hulk Hogan’s death, offering heartfelt stories, personal reflections, and a reminder to fans everywhere: don’t wait too long to reconnect with the people who matter.

Speaking in an emotional interview, Foley admitted that the news caught him off guard.

"It was almost shock," Foley said. "He was one of those guys who seemed larger than life… like he didn’t age. You just never thought the last time you saw Hulk Hogan would be the last time."

From Tension to Forgiveness

Foley also opened up about past friction with Hogan—but more importantly, how they moved past it.

"He apologized to me, not once but twice, for something that had been said over 25 years earlier," Foley shared. "It was during a show, but I could tell it was 100% sincere. I had already considered him a friend, but that really helped strengthen our bond. It was a special moment."

The two may have had their differences early on, but Foley spoke with genuine appreciation for the closure they found later in life.

Memories That Matter

When asked what memories of Hogan stand out most, Foley pointed not to a wrestling match, but to a quiet moment he had speaking with Hogan’s daughter, Brooke, at a convention.

"I got to know him a bit more through her—and through reading his book," Foley said. "I realized we had more in common than I thought."

But it was a story from a friend that Foley said stuck with him the most.

"A buddy of mine worked with Hulk and saw firsthand how he treated kids from Make-A-Wish and other organizations. The way those kids lit up around him? That was real. That was from the heart. You can’t fake that kind of joy. That’s his legacy to me."

Hogan’s Business Impact

Foley also spoke about how Hogan’s presence lifted the entire wrestling industry, even among those who didn’t always agree with him being “the guy.”

"I know not everyone liked it when Hogan came into town, but it was undeniable—he helped take the business to heights no one imagined. Once people saw what he brought, they were grateful."

Addressing Controversy

When asked about Hogan’s past controversies, including the well-known video scandal and racially charged comments that surfaced years ago, Foley responded thoughtfully.

"People have to decide for themselves. I caught some heat for saying this at the time, but I believed—and still believe—that Hulk was a good man who made a mistake. He was imperfect, like we all are, but he did a lot of good in the world. That’s how I choose to remember him."

The Final Conversation

Foley then shared one bittersweet memory: the last time he spoke to Hogan.

"Every time we talked, it was like, ‘Hey brother, we’ve got to do that dinner.’ We always said we would, but we never did. We kept meaning to."

He paused, then added a simple, powerful reminder:

"If there’s someone you haven’t talked to in a while… reach out. Make that call."

MainEvent.News | Backstage Take

Foley didn’t just remember Hulk Hogan the performer—he remembered Terry Bollea the man. From sincere apologies to unseen moments with Make-A-Wish kids, what came through loudest was that Hogan made people feel something. Whether you loved him, cheered him, booed him, or forgave him—he mattered. He made you look. And according to Foley, when no cameras were around, he also made you smile.

Rest in peace, Hulkster. The dinner may not have happened, but the respect was real.

Watch the full interview with Mick Foley from today July 24, 2025: