Hulk Hogan’s Last Bell: The Shocking Truth Behind Wrestling’s Most Hated Legend

Special Feature

A Death That Split Wrestling Down the Middle

On July 24th, 2025, the wrestling world was rocked by the news that Hulk Hogan had died at age 71 from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. But instead of a wave of universal mourning, Hogan’s passing triggered a storm of controversy, heartbreak, and long-buried resentment—revealing just how divided his legacy truly is.

Ric Flair’s Stunning Confession: Why Wrestlers Really Hated Hogan

Amid the flood of tributes, Ric Flair—the Nature Boy, longtime rival and friend—did something he’d never done before. He opened up about the real reasons so many wrestlers, young and old, despised Hulk Hogan.

“Everybody wants to take a shot at Hulk, but he doesn’t deserve it. People make mistakes,” Flair said, walking the line between defending his friend and admitting the grievances were real.

For decades, stories circulated backstage: Hogan using his star power to manipulate outcomes, refusing to lose cleanly, burying younger talent, and always putting himself above the business. Bret Hart, The Undertaker, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Shawn Michaels—each had their own tales of betrayal, political games, and broken promises.

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The Undertaker famously revealed Hogan lied about a neck injury to protect his image, nearly costing Taker his career. Bret Hart was denied his moment at WrestleMania IX, with Hogan swooping in to take the title and refusing to “put Hart over.” Shawn Michaels openly mocked Hogan’s ego in their infamous SummerSlam match, overselling every move as a protest against Hogan’s backstage politics.

And the list goes on: Billy Kidman, Jesse Ventura (betrayed over unionizing efforts), Scott Steiner, and countless others. Hogan’s creative control clauses, his reluctance to lose, and his willingness to throw colleagues under the bus made him the most divisive figure in wrestling history.

The Scandal That Never Went Away

Hogan’s personal controversies only added fuel to the fire. In 2015, leaked audio revealed him using racial slurs and expressing deeply racist views. Black wrestlers and fans never forgave him—Booker T, MVP, The New Day all publicly rejected his return to WWE’s Hall of Fame, while social media exploded with outrage, indifference, and even celebration at his passing.

Family Grief and Silence: A House Divided

While Hogan’s third wife, Sky Daily, posted a raw, heartbreaking tribute on Instagram—“I wasn’t ready for this, and my heart is in pieces”—his ex-wife Linda and daughter Brooke remained silent or issued only cryptic, bitter remarks about their past. Brooke, estranged since 2023, learned of her father’s death via a text from her brother to her husband—a gut-wrenching detail that exposed years of family trauma.

Linda, still angry after their messy divorce, accused Hogan of betrayal and manipulation, while Brooke’s last conversation with her father was marked by concern, distance, and a vague apology. The family’s fractured response stood in stark contrast to Sky’s open grief, painting a picture of a legend whose personal relationships were as tumultuous as his career.

Wrestling’s Response: Respect and Resentment

The wrestling industry itself was torn. WWE aired a tribute on Smackdown, legends like Ric Flair, The Rock, The Undertaker, Sting, and Kevin Nash mourned his passing and praised his impact. Yet many current wrestlers and fans refused to separate the man from his scandals.

For older fans, Hogan was the face of their childhood, the engine of “Hulkamania.” For younger fans and fans of color, his racist comments and toxic backstage behavior overshadowed any nostalgia. Social media split between #RIPHulkHogan and “Good riddance,” with debates raging about accountability, forgiveness, and how to remember flawed icons.

The Internet Reacts: Mourning, Outrage, and Celebration

The public reaction was chaos—tributes from fans and celebrities collided with angry posts, memes, and celebrations of his death. Black Twitter, in particular, was unapologetic, with viral posts refusing to mourn a man whose racism was never truly addressed.

Hogan’s legacy was complicated further by his involvement in the Gawker lawsuit, steroid scandals, political endorsements, and endless family drama. He was a cultural icon, but also a deeply flawed man whose mistakes were never fully forgiven.

Ric Flair’s Final Word: Humanity Amid Controversy

Perhaps the most revealing moment came when Flair shared a story rarely told: during his son’s battle with addiction, Hogan quietly paid for rehab and refused repayment. “You never have to pay me back. I’m here for you,” Hogan said.

It was a glimpse of humanity beneath the headlines—a reminder that even the most controversial legends are capable of compassion and loyalty. But for many, it wasn’t enough to erase decades of damage.

The Divided Legacy of Wrestling’s Biggest Star

Hulk Hogan’s death didn’t unite the wrestling world—it exposed its deepest divisions. He was the face of an era, the architect of sports entertainment, and the reason millions became fans. But he was also the reason so many wrestlers felt betrayed, undervalued, and manipulated.

In the end, Hogan’s legacy is a lesson in the cost of fame, the dangers of unchecked power, and the struggle to reconcile greatness with imperfection. For every fan who mourns, there’s another who refuses to forgive. The bell has rung—for Hulk Hogan, for wrestling, and for the conversations we still need to have about heroes, villains, and the truth behind the spotlight.