Brooke Hogan, daughter of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, has publicly addressed her absence from her late father’s funeral, offering an emotional and candid perspective on their strained relationship and the personal way she chose to grieve the WWE icon’s passing. Contrary to speculation, Brooke’s no-show was not out of disrespect but a conscious decision rooted in both her father’s wishes and complicated family dynamics.

On July 24, 2025, Terry Gene Bollea—known worldwide as Hulk Hogan—passed away at 71 following a heart attack linked to his battle with leukemia. His funeral on August 5 in Clearwater, Florida, was a private affair attended by close family and wrestling community figures like Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Kid Rock. However, Brooke Hogan and her husband Steven Oleksy were notably absent, sparking widespread curiosity and concern among fans and media outlets alike[1][2].

Why Brooke Chose Not to Attend

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Brooke explained that honoring her father in the traditional funeral setting went against his own wishes. “[My father] hated the morbidity of funerals. He didn’t want one,” she wrote. Instead, Brooke and her family spent the day at Hulk Hogan’s favorite beach, immersing their newborn twins—the latest generation of the Hogan family—in the salty waters their grandfather loved.

Brooke described the experience as a deeply personal farewell: “We honored him in the simplest way that agreed with my soul. We took our babies to the beach and put them in the same salty waters he loved… Every grain of sand and every wave reminded me of being your beach baby, and brought us closer to you. I pray you are at peace and know how dearly I love you”[1][2].

This intimate tribute resonated with many fans who understand that grief and remembrance take many forms beyond public ceremonies.

Strained Family Relationships and the Fallout

Brooke’s silence and absence from the funeral were not just about honoring her father’s preferences but also come amid reported longstanding tensions within the Hogan family.

According to sources close to Brooke and interviews she has given recently, the daughter and father had been largely estranged in the two years leading up to his death. Brooke has openly discussed challenges within the family, including personal accusations and family disputes that contributed to her emotional distance at such a critical time[3].

During a candid appearance on TMZ Live, Brooke went further by addressing rumors and accusations she claims were being spread about her in the wake of Hulk Hogan’s death. She issued a stern warning against misinformation and emphasized her need to process her grief privately without the added burden of public judgment or familial pressure.

Fightful’s backstage sources indicate these tensions are reflective of complex family dynamics that have shadowed the Hogan name for years, making Brooke’s decision to grieve privately a protective step[4].

What WWE and Wrestling Community Are Saying

The wrestling world continues to honor Hulk Hogan’s legacy, recognizing not only his in-ring achievements but also his controversies and personal hardships. WWE.com memorialized him as one of the most charismatic and influential wrestlers in history, highlighting his role in bringing professional wrestling into mainstream pop culture.

Stephanie McMahon publicly expressed her condolences, acknowledging the profound loss within the wrestling family. Meanwhile, insiders note that despite the family rift, Brooke’s choice to honor her father quietly has been respected quietly by many wrestlers and colleagues who understand the private nature of grief behind the flash and spectacle of pro wrestling[4].

Brooke’s Future and Healing

Brooke Hogan’s recent interviews suggest she is focusing on healing and protecting her own family while coming to terms with a complex relationship with her late father. With newborn twins and a protective husband by her side, Brooke is emphasizing the importance of personal peace over public drama.

She has indicated that she will continue to speak out about her experiences on her own terms, pushing back against rumors and reclaiming her narrative. As one WWE insider commented to Wrestling Headlines, “Brooke’s voice is important because it reveals the human side of wrestling royalty—something fans rarely see but many can relate to.”

Final Thoughts

Brooke Hogan’s story highlights the complicated layers behind headline-making moments in the wrestling world. Her decision to skip Hulk Hogan’s funeral was not a sign of disrespect but a deeply personal act of remembering her father in a way that felt right to her soul.

As the Hogan family and WWE legacy continue to navigate this new chapter without their icon, Brooke’s candidness offers a rare glimpse into the struggles and healing behind the curtain. Fans and the wrestling community alike now better understand why sometimes, private moments are the most powerful kind of farewell.

Sources:
WWE.com, Fightful, TMZ Live interviews, Instagram statements by Brooke Hogan, FOX13 Tampa Bay, Wrestling Headlines, YouTube (TMZ Live appearance) [1][2][3][4]