The professional wrestling world was shaken on July 24, 2025, when the legendary Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, passed away at the age of 71. Hogan’s death, attributed to cardiac arrest, marked the end of an era in the sport of professional wrestling. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential wrestlers of all time, Hogan’s impact on the industry is immeasurable. From his iconic rivalry with André the Giant to his role in revolutionizing the wrestling landscape, Hogan’s legacy is etched in the history of the sport.
However, as the world mourned the loss of this monumental figure, All Elite Wrestling (AEW), one of the biggest wrestling promotions, remained conspicuously silent. This raised eyebrows and stirred controversy among fans and industry insiders alike. AEW, led by its president Tony Khan, had previously distanced itself from Hogan due to past controversial remarks the wrestling icon had made in 2020. The company’s silence in the wake of Hogan’s passing drew criticism from fans who felt that AEW was overlooking a man who played a significant role in shaping the modern wrestling industry.
AEW’s Emotional Tribute
After several days of growing frustration from fans, AEW finally broke its silence. On the July 26 episode of AEW Collision, veteran commentator Tony Schiavone addressed the passing of Hulk Hogan, paying a heartfelt tribute to the legend. Schiavone, who has seen many of wrestling’s biggest moments unfold over decades, began by acknowledging the profound impact Hogan had on the sport:
“It was quite a week for all of us who have been in professional wrestling for a long time with the unexpected death of Hulk Hogan. Hulk Hogan was the man who brought professional wrestling into the mainstream in the ’80s and in the ’90s, right here on this network, right here on TNT almost 30 years ago,” Schiavone said, reflecting on Hogan’s role in bringing wrestling to a broader audience, particularly through his appearances in the WWF and later WCW.
The tribute continued with Schiavone offering condolences to Hogan’s family, including his wife Sky Daily and their children, Brooke and Nick. Schiavone’s words were both respectful and deeply personal, capturing the essence of Hogan’s legendary career and the sorrow of his passing. Schiavone ended his tribute with a solemn message: “From all of us here at All Elite Wrestling, RIP brother.”
The Reaction from Fans and the Wrestling Community
AEW’s delayed response to Hogan’s death prompted a wave of reactions from fans. Many had expected AEW to issue a tribute immediately after the news broke, especially given Hogan’s transformative role in the wrestling world. As AEW took time to craft a response, fans on social media voiced their discontent, with some accusing the promotion of failing to honor one of wrestling’s greatest figures.
Despite the delay, the emotional tribute from Tony Schiavone seemed to resonate with fans and critics alike. The wrestling world, which includes AEW’s stars as well as those from WWE and other promotions, quickly rallied to pay their respects. WWE Hall of Famer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared an emotional message, recalling his legendary match against Hogan at WrestleMania X8 in 2002. The Rock called Hogan “the greatest of all time,” highlighting his lasting influence on both the sport and popular culture.
Meanwhile, AEW’s Cody Rhodes offered his own reflection on the complicated legacy of Hulk Hogan. Appearing on WWE SmackDown, Rhodes acknowledged the ups and downs of Hogan’s career but emphasized his pivotal role in revolutionizing professional wrestling and making it a mainstream spectacle.
The Enduring Legacy of Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy is far from over. He is often credited with popularizing the professional wrestling genre in the 1980s, particularly through his larger-than-life persona, his “Hulkamania” catchphrase, and his unparalleled charisma. Hogan’s influence transcended wrestling, with his iconic moments crossing over into pop culture, movies, and television.
Though his legacy is not without controversy, there is no denying the mark Hogan left on the world of professional wrestling. For AEW, despite the initial silence, the tribute provided a much-needed acknowledgment of his contributions. As the wrestling world continues to mourn Hogan’s passing, his impact on the industry remains undeniable, and his place in history is secure.
As wrestling promotions and fans alike reflect on Hogan’s life and career, one thing is clear: The legacy of Hulk Hogan will live on, and his name will forever be associated with the golden age of professional wrestling.
