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 moved and impressed the whole WWE !!

The wrestling world is reeling from the devastating loss of Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest. Hogan, a towering figure in professional wrestling, was a cultural icon whose charisma and larger-than-life persona defined an era. His death has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, with tributes pouring in from fans, wrestlers, and industry figures alike. Among those most profoundly affected is Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, whose emotional response and heartfelt words for Hogan have 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 rise in the 1980s and 1990s. His “Hulkamania” movement inspired millions, with his iconic red and yellow attire, signature leg drop, and rallying cry of “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” becoming synonymous with wrestling’s golden age. Hogan’s 1,474-day reign as WWF Champion remains the longest of the WrestleMania era, a record that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest performers in history.

Roman Reigns, often compared to Hogan for his dominance and star power, 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 commanding presence. Their connection ran deeper than professional admiration; Hogan once shared a story of holding a young Reigns at a family event, a personal anecdote that underscored the intertwined legacies of these two titans. Reigns, known as “The Tribal Chief,” has carried the torch of wrestling’s main event scene, much like Hogan did decades ago, with a championship reign approaching historic lengths.

Following the news of Hogan’s passing, Reigns took to the ring during a recent episode of WWE Raw, broadcast on Netflix, to pay tribute. Visibly emotional, he stood in the center of the ring, the same stage where Hogan once captivated millions. With tears in his eyes, Reigns spoke from the heart, his voice breaking 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 across the globe. I wouldn’t be here without him.” The arena, packed with fans, fell silent, hanging on every word as Reigns’ vulnerability laid bare the depth of his grief.

Reigns went on to share how Hogan’s resilience inspired his own journey, 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 be something bigger,” Reigns said. “He made us all believe.” In a poignant moment, Reigns raised his fist to the sky, mimicking Hogan’s iconic pose, and led the crowd in a chant of “Hulk-a-mania” that echoed through the arena. The gesture was a powerful nod to Hogan’s enduring legacy, uniting fans old and new in a shared moment of remembrance.

The WWE Universe was deeply moved by Reigns’ tribute, with social media posts reflecting the sentiment. Fans praised Reigns for his authenticity, noting how his words captured the essence of Hogan’s impact. One fan wrote on X, “Seeing Roman Reigns cry for Hulk Hogan broke my heart. That tribute was real, and it showed how much Hogan meant to all of us.” WWE itself issued a statement expressing sorrow, calling Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” and extending condolences to his family and fans.

Beyond the ring, Reigns’ tribute highlighted Hogan’s broader influence. From starring in films likeNo Holds Barredto appearing on mainstream platforms likeSaturday Night Live, Hogan transcended wrestling, becoming a household name. His controversial moments, including a racism scandal in 2015, tested his legacy, but his reinstatement to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 and continued appearances showed his ability to reconnect with fans. Reigns’ words reminded everyone that Hogan’s contributions to wrestling’s growth were undeniable, even amidst personal challenges.

As the wrestling world mourns, Reigns’ emotional tribute stands as a testament to Hogan’s enduring spirit. His tears reflected not just personal loss but the collective grief of an industry forever changed by Hulkamania. For Reigns, Hogan was more than a predecessor; he was a guiding light whose legacy will continue to inspire. As WWE moves forward, the memory of Hulk Hogan, championed by stars like Roman Reigns, will remain a cornerstone of its history.