In the wake of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan’s passing on July 24, 2025, the wrestling world has seen an outpouring of grief and tributes. But one highly noticeable absence at the late icon’s funeral on August 5 in Clearwater, Florida, was his only daughter, Brooke Hogan. Now, Brooke has opened up candidly about her choice to grieve privately and the complicated relationship she had with her father.

Why Brooke Hogan Skipped Hulk Hogan’s Funeral

Brooke’s decision not to attend the private funeral service sparked widespread speculation. On August 6, she took to Instagram with a heartfelt message explaining her absence. Brooke revealed that her father “hated the morbidity of funerals” and expressed that she wanted to honor him in a way that felt genuine to her—away from the public eye. Rather than joining mourners at the church, Brooke spent the day at her father’s favorite beach with her husband, Steven Oleksy, and their newborn twins, Molly and Oliver, who were born earlier this year.

She wrote, “As his daughter, I had to make my own decision to honor him the best and most genuine way I knew how… privately… the way that made me feel the closest to him.” Brooke described the beach as a place filled with memories, noting how the water connected her family to Hulk Hogan’s spirit. She affectionately recalled that “the only thing missing today was him in his pop up lawn chair watching the waves…and the sunset.” Her tribute highlighted a deeply personal farewell, prioritizing emotional closeness over public spectacle[1][3].

A Complex Father-Daughter Relationship

Sources close to Brooke have shared that she and Hulk Hogan had not been in regular contact for nearly two years before his death. WWE insiders and journalists like Fightful have reported on the estrangement, revealing tensions within the Bollea family dating back years. Brooke’s absence at the funeral, they say, was less about disrespect and more a continuation of this strained relationship and her desire to honor her father on her own terms[2].

In addition to her Instagram tribute, Brooke gave a rare interview on TMZ Live, where she spoke candidly about her feelings and addressed circulating rumors. She warned those spreading falsehoods about her family and made it clear that her choices were rooted in love and respect, rather than rebellion or anger. While she is private about many details, Brooke’s openness signals her wish to reclaim her narrative amid media speculation[4].

WWE and the Wrestling Community Mourns

Hulk Hogan’s death left a significant void in the wrestling world. WWE officially honored him on WWE.com, acknowledging his massive impact on professional wrestling and pop culture. Industry peers including Triple H and Stephanie McMahon attended the funeral, underscoring Hogan’s legendary status. The wrestling community continues to pay tribute through shows, podcasts, and social media reflections, sharing stories of Hogan’s influence inside and outside the ring[3].

Despite the public mourning, Brooke’s decision shines a light on the private side of celebrity loss. It shows that grief can be intensely personal, even for figures constantly in the public eye. As WWE and fans worldwide remember Hogan’s legacy, Brooke Hogan’s heartfelt tribute serves as a poignant reminder that honoring a loved one often transcends traditional ceremonies.

Insider Perspective

According to a WWE insider who spoke to Wrestling Headlines, “Brooke’s choice reflects a lot of private family dynamics that the public hasn’t fully seen. She wanted to honor her dad in a way that was true to their relationship and his wishes. It’s not about drama, but about healing.” This perspective helps explain why Brooke avoided the spotlight during such a high-profile farewell and instead embraced a quiet, meaningful moment with her own family[4].

Moving Forward

Brooke Hogan continues to balance her roles as a mother, wife, and public figure while navigating the complexities of her family’s legacy. By sharing her story openly, she gives fans and the broader public a nuanced view of grief behind the scenes of wrestling’s biggest families.

Her message underscores the importance of respecting individual grieving processes and recognizing that even icons like Hulk Hogan are remembered uniquely by those they leave behind.

Keywords for SEO: Brooke Hogan funeral absence, Hulk Hogan death, Hulk Hogan funeral, Brooke Hogan interview, WWE news Hulk Hogan, Hulk Hogan family drama, why Brooke Hogan skipped funeral, Hulk Hogan tribute, WWE wrestling news 2025, Brooke Hogan Instagram tribute.

Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, TMZ Live, Wrestling Headlines, Times of India, HOLA, FOX 13 News.