WWE Shows Major Respect on Raw Honoring Hulk Hogan with Powerful Ceremony Featuring Son Nick Hogan, Eric Bischoff, and Real American Team

We may be deep into a new week, but the world is still feeling the loss of the immortal Hulk Hogan. For so many of us, this isn’t just news—it’s personal. Our childhood hero, our larger-than-life icon, is gone. Yes, Hogan had his flaws and made his share of missteps, just like any of us. But beneath the fame and controversy was a man always striving to do better, to be better. WWE knows how much he meant to generations of fans, and to their credit, they’re getting it right. After honoring him on SmackDown, they did it again last night on Raw, with heart, respect, and genuine love. 

WWE Monday Night Raw opened on July 28 with a heartfelt tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, just days after the wrestling icon’s passing. Center stage stood Nick Hogan, son of the Hall of Famer, visibly emotional as he joined the WWE roster in remembering his father—the man he called not only “Dad,” but his “best friend.”

As a massive screen displayed “In Memory of Hulk Hogan: 1953–2025,” fans at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena erupted into applause, offering one final ovation to the legend known around the globe. Nick, 35, was joined by his wife Tana Lea, who stood by his side, wiping away tears during the moving memorial.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque delivered a powerful pre-recorded message:

“We lost one of the biggest and most globally recognized icons in the world. The truth is, he captivated millions and inspired them around the globe. We would not be standing here right now, all of us together, if it was not for him.”

A solemn 10-bell salute followed, a time-honored tradition in pro wrestling, as the arena fell silent in respect.

Also in attendance was longtime Hogan friend and business partner Eric Bischoff, along with members of the Real American Beer team. The group, including representatives from Hogan’s upcoming Real American Wrestling venture, was absent from SmackDown’s initial tribute but made it a priority to honor Hogan live at Raw.

Two video packages aired throughout the night: one retrospective chronicling Hogan’s iconic career as a 12-time world champion, set to Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” and another filled with personal reflections from stars like Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, The Miz, AJ Styles, Natalya, Jey Uso, Jimmy Hart, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.

Nick Hogan later shared his own heartfelt message on social media, writing:

“He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend. I spent a lot of time with him these past few years after moving back to Florida to be closer, and I’m so grateful for those memories. They are the best moments in my life.”

As WWE continues honoring the legacy of Hulk Hogan across its brands, all eyes are on tonight’s NXT to see if the tribute will carry on into a third emotional salute.

🗣 MainEvent.News | Backstage Take:

Nick Hogan’s appearance marked the emotional centerpiece of WWE’s tribute and it was a symbolic passing of the torch and a real-time reminder that Hogan’s legacy lives on not just in wrestling history, but through his family and fans. Eric Bischoff’s presence hints that Hogan’s final vision, Real American Freestyle Wrestling, could soon be more than just a tribute—it might be the next chapter.

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