Monday Night Raw delivered a heartfelt and powerful tribute to the legendary Hulk Hogan on July 28, 2025, marking an unforgettable moment in WWE history. The episode opened with a stirring 10-bell salute at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI, where the entire WWE roster gathered to honor the late WWE Hall of Famer. Among those present were iconic wrestling legends including Eric Bischoff and Jimmy Hart, amplifying the emotional gravity of the occasion[2][3].

The tribute began with a somber and respectful silence as the 10 bells tolled, a traditional wrestling ceremony to honor departed superstars. This poignant gesture set the tone for a night dedicated to reflecting on Hogan’s monumental influence on professional wrestling and pop culture. Fans inside the arena and millions watching worldwide witnessed WWE’s profound respect for a man who transcended the sport[1].

Following the solemn salute, WWE aired a specially curated video package chronicling Hogan’s illustrious career. The montage showcased highlights ranging from his iconic Hulkamania era in the 1980s to his many memorable moments throughout the decades. From his electrifying promos to headline WrestleMania matches, the video encapsulated why Hogan remains one of wrestling’s most beloved figures. The crowd responded with thunderous applause and chants of “Hogan! Hogan!” underscoring the deep connection between the legend and his worldwide fanbase[5].

Adding to the emotional weight, several legends and current WWE Superstars shared heartfelt tributes. Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s longtime manager and close confidante, spoke about Hogan’s charisma and the door he opened for wrestling’s mainstream explosion. Eric Bischoff, instrumental in Hogan’s WCW success, reflected on Hulk’s indelible impact on the industry and his role as a true pioneer.

According to insiders close to WWE, the tribute was meticulously planned to balance respect with celebration — avoiding mere nostalgia and instead highlighting Hogan’s enduring legacy and influence. One WWE source revealed: “Hulk was more than a wrestler; he was the face of an era. Tonight was about honoring not just the performer but the man who inspired generations”[2][3].

Nick Hogan, Hulk’s son, also made a rare public appearance at Raw, standing on the entrance stage among the WWE roster and legends. His presence underscored the tribute’s personal resonance and gave the WWE Universe a glimpse into the family’s appreciation for the worldwide outpouring of respect.

Social media buzz following the broadcast reflected the overwhelmingly positive fan response. WWE UK’s Instagram highlighted the tribute’s impact, garnering hundreds of likes and comments from fans expressing their love and memories of Hulkamania’s heyday[1]. On YouTube, clips of the 10-bell salute and the tribute video surged in views, further amplifying the global homage[3][4].

This fitting honor on RAW aligns with ongoing WWE celebrations of its greatest superstars and serves as a reminder of Hulk Hogan’s unmatched contributions to professional wrestling. From pioneering crossover appeal to inspiring countless future stars, Hogan’s legacy is foundational to WWE’s rise as an entertainment powerhouse.

Fightful reported that backstage reactions were overwhelmingly emotional, with many Superstars expressing deep gratitude for Hogan’s mentorship and influence on their careers. A WWE insider commented, “Many of today’s talents grew up idolizing Hulk. This tribute was important both on a professional and personal level”[2].

As WWE continues to pay respect to its legends, the tribute to Hulk Hogan on RAW stands out as one of the most significant commemorations in recent memory. For millions of Hulkamaniacs around the globe, the roar of the crowd and the solemn ringing of those 10 bells will remain a profound reminder of the man who helped make professional wrestling a global phenomenon.

This tribute will be remembered not just for what it celebrated, but how it united generations of wrestling talent and fans in appreciation of a true icon. WWE.com and numerous wrestling podcasts are expected to feature detailed discussions on Hogan’s legacy in the coming weeks, ensuring that his impact is analyzed and celebrated from every angle.

In closing, Monday Night Raw’s Hulk Hogan tribute was a powerful, respectful, and fitting farewell to a larger-than-life figure who defined an era in WWE. As the crowd chanted and the bells tolled, one thing was clear: Hulkamania will never die[2][5].