The wrestling world remains deeply impacted by the passing of legendary WWE icon Hulk Hogan at the age of 71. Among those reflecting on his legacy is former WCW President Eric Bischoff, who recently voiced appreciation for WWE Chairman Vince McMahon’s rare and heartfelt public statement following Hogan’s death. Bischoff described the relationship between McMahon and Hogan as “complicated” but underscored how meaningful the tribute was for both Hogan’s memory and those close to him.

During a recent episode of the 83 Weeks podcast, co-hosted by Conrad Thompson, Bischoff opened up about the significance of McMahon’s tribute, which had been read aloud during a WWE broadcast honoring Hogan. Vince McMahon’s message read:

“The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of all time. Someone who was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer—the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon. His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected, and loved. He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions: train, take your vitamins, and say your prayers. Today, we pray for him.”[1][4]

Bischoff remarked that this tribute was exactly what Hogan deserved. “I was grateful for it. I was happy to see it. Happy because Vince was such an important part of Hulk’s life,” Bischoff said. He further elaborated on the dynamic between McMahon and Hogan, calling it “love-stressful” and highlighting how two fiercely driven visionaries navigated a relationship marked by both respect and intensity. Unlike typical “love-hate” characterizations, Bischoff emphasized a more nuanced connection that shaped the careers and lives of both men.[1][4]

Besides reflecting on McMahon’s statement, Bischoff also shared personal memories in the wake of Hogan’s passing. On his own podcast, Bischoff recounted the final time he saw Hogan only a couple of weeks before his death. Despite Hogan’s weakened health after a hospital stay, Bischoff recalled that Hogan’s characteristic energy and focus remained, even faintly audible over the phone. “He still had that ‘Brother, what are we going to do next?’ underlying current of energy in his voice,” Bischoff said, explaining how Hogan was still mentally engaged, checking in about business plans and friends like Kurt Angle.[2][5]

This powerful glimpse into Hogan’s final days reinforces the enduring spirit that made him such a monumental figure in professional wrestling. Beyond the public persona, Bischoff’s stories emphasize the personal humanity of the man known worldwide as “The Hulkster.”

The wrestling community’s heartfelt reactions have been widespread. WWE.com, alongside other outlets like Fightful and Ringside News, have chronicled tributes from wrestlers, industry insiders, and Hogan’s family. Hogan’s wife, Sky, shared a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram, describing the loss as “sudden and impossible to process,” highlighting the personal toll behind the public mourning.[3]

Sources close to Bischoff revealed that his ongoing respect and admiration for Hogan reflected a friendship strengthened through decades of collaboration and competition, including their overlapping roles during the 1990s wrestling wars between WWE and WCW. Bischoff’s balanced perspective has been shaped by witnessing firsthand the evolution of Hogan’s career and his profound impact on the industry.

As WWE programming continues to honor Hogan’s memory, Bischoff’s gratefulness toward McMahon’s statement serves as a reminder of how significant their intertwined legacies remain in professional wrestling history. Wrestlers and fans alike are left with the image of Hulk Hogan not just as a global superstar, but as a driven individual whose relationships were as complex and intense as his in-ring persona.

Key Takeaways:

• Vince McMahon’s tribute to Hulk Hogan was widely praised by Eric Bischoff as fitting and heartfelt, capturing the essence of Hogan’s legacy.[1][4]
• Bischoff characterized McMahon and Hogan’s relationship as complicated but underscored mutual respect amid the intensity.[1]
• Bischoff shared touching details of his last conversation with Hogan, reaffirming Hogan’s enduring passion and energy shortly before his passing.[2][5]
• The wrestling community and Hogan’s family have been publicly mourning, highlighting the personal losses behind the legend’s death.[3]
• Bischoff’s reflections offer fans a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of wrestling’s most influential figures and his connections with WWE’s leadership.

Eric Bischoff’s comments provide a crucial window into the legacy of Hulk Hogan and the intricacies of wrestling’s most impactful relationships, enriching our understanding of a legend who changed the sport forever.