Sad news: Roman Reigns couldn’t hold back his tears after the passing of WWE legend Hulk Hogan and what this wrestler did for Hulk Hogan really impressed the entire WWE!!
The wrestling world is reeling from the loss of Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, from a heart attack. A towering figure in professional wrestling, Hogan was a cultural icon whose charisma and charisma defined an era. His death shocked the WWE Universe, with condolences pouring in from fans, wrestlers, and industry figures alike. Among those most affected was Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, whose emotional response and heartfelt words to Hogan left an indelible mark on the wrestling community.
Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling is immeasurable. From headlining eight of the first nine WrestleManias to leading the New World Order in WCW, he was a cornerstone of the industry’s global renaissance in the 1980s and 1990s. His “Hulkamania” move inspired millions, and with his iconic red and yellow costume, signature leg-swing, and rallying cry, “What do you do when Hulkamania hits you?” he became synonymous with the golden age of wrestling. Hogan’s 1,474-day reign as World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Champion remains the longest in the WrestleMania era, a record that cements his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Roman Reigns, often compared to Hogan for his dominance and fame, has long acknowledged the legend’s influence. In a 2023 interview with TMZ, Reigns credited Hogan with keeping “the art form alive” through his methodical in-ring style and captivating presence. Their relationship went beyond mere professional admiration; Hogan once recounted embracing Reigns as a young man at a family event, a personal anecdote that highlighted the intertwined legacies of these two titans. Reigns, known as “The Tribal Chief,” carried the torch for the main event of wrestling, just as Hogan had done decades before, achieving a historic championship title.
Following news of Hogan’s death, Reigns took to the ring during a recent episode of WWE Raw, broadcast on Netflix, to pay tribute. Visibly moved, he stood in the center of the ring, the same stage where Hogan once captivated millions. Reigns spoke with tears in his eyes, his voice cracking as he recounted what Hogan meant to him. “Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler,” Reigns said. “He was the heartbeat of this industry. He showed us what it meant to be larger than life, to fight through adversity, and to inspire people all over the world. I wouldn’t be here without him.” The packed arena fell silent, hanging on every word as Reigns’ vulnerability revealed the depth of his grief.
Reigns then spoke about how Hogan’s resilience inspired his own career, particularly during his battle with leukemia in 2018. He recalled watching Hogan’s matches as a child, mesmerized by the energy of Hulkamania. “He made me believe I could do more,” Reigns said. “He made us all believe.” In a poignant moment, Reigns raised his fist to the sky, emulating Hogan’s iconic pose, and led the crowd in a “Hulk-a-Mania” chant that echoed throughout the arena. The gesture served as a powerful nod to Hogan’s enduring legacy, bringing together fans old and new in a shared moment of remembrance.
WWE fans were deeply moved by Reigns’ tribute, and social media posts reflected this sentiment. Fans praised Reigns for his authenticity, noting that his words captured the essence of Hogan’s impact. One fan wrote on X: “Seeing Roman Reigns cry over Hulk Hogan broke my heart. This tribute was genuine and showed how much Hogan meant to us all.” WWE released a statement expressing its sadness, calling Hogan “one of the most iconic figures in pop culture” and offering its condolences to his family and fans.
Outside the ring, Reigns’ tribute highlighted Hogan’s broader impact. From starring in films like “No Holds Barred” to appearing on major platforms like “Saturday Night Live ,” Hogan transcended the wrestling world, becoming a household name. His controversial moments, including a 2015 racism scandal, tested his legacy, but his return to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 and continued appearances demonstrated his ability to connect with fans. Reigns’ words reminded everyone that Hogan’s contributions to the growth of wrestling are undeniable, even in the midst of personal challenges.
As the wrestling world mourns, Reigns’ emotional eulogy is a testament to Hogan’s enduring spirit. His tears reflected not only his personal loss, but a collective grief for an industry forever changed by Hulkmanism. To Reigns, Hogan was more than just a predecessor; he was a beacon whose legacy will continue to inspire. As WWE moves forward, the memory of Hulk Hogan, championed by Superstars like Roman Reigns, will remain a cornerstone of its history.
