McMahon Stuns at Hogan Funeral; Wrestling World Gathers
Former WWE Head Delivers Surprise Eulogy at Private Service
A somber gathering of wrestling and entertainment heavyweights bid farewell to Hulk Hogan on Tuesday, with a notable surprise guest taking the podium. Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon delivered an unexpected eulogy at the private funeral for the wrestling icon in Clearwater, Florida.
A Star-Studded Send-Off
The service saw a significant turnout from the professional wrestling circuit and beyond. Among those paying their respects to Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, were wrestling royalty such as Ric Flair, Triple H, Kevin Nash, and Paul Wight (Big Show). The entertainment world was represented by figures like Kid Rock and Bam Margera.
A photo of Hulk Hogan, Vince McMahon, and Hulk Hogan’s family was posted on Instagram.
— Jimmy Van (@ImpactWrestling)
December 16, 2016
McMahon’s Remarkable Appearance
Vince McMahon concluded his address by asking the attendees to give the legendary wrestler a final standing ovation. This appearance held particular weight due to the intertwined, and sometimes strained, history between McMahon and Hogan, who were instrumental in WWE’s most prosperous eras.
Tributes from Legends
The attendees list read like a who’s who of wrestling history, spanning multiple decades. Adam Copeland (Edge), Jacques Rougeau, Jim Duggan, Diamond Dallas Page, Sean Waltman (X-Pac), Dean Malenko, Rob Van Dam, Ted DiBiase, and Brutus Beefcake were all present, underscoring Hogan‘s extensive professional relationships.
A Legacy Defined “Hulkamania”
Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24 at the age of 71. His passing followed a battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and atrial fibrillation. The wrestling icon’s “Hulkamania” era in the 1980s propelled professional wrestling from a regional draw into a global entertainment phenomenon, a feat that continues to influence the industry today.
The global entertainment industry saw a 12.5% revenue growth in 2023, demonstrating the continued massive appeal of entertainment giants like Hogan (Statista 2024).
Notably absent from the ceremony was Hulk Hogan‘s daughter, Brooke Hogan. The family has not publicly commented on her absence.
