Brooke Hogan has finally addressed a longtime question among wrestling fans and media: why did WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan refuse to walk her down the aisle at her wedding to former NHL player Steven Oleksy? The answer lies in a complex family dynamic and personal choices that recently came to light in several candid interviews and podcasts.
In an exclusive discussion on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show aired August 5, 2025, Brooke revealed that her legendary father’s absence was not due to estrangement or disapproval, but rather stemming from Hulk Hogan’s own reluctance and mindset at the time of her wedding[1]. “You can’t get him to leave the beach,” Brooke said humorously, referring to Hulk’s well-known laid-back persona and his frequent reluctance to participate in formal family events[2]. Sources close to the Hogan family confirmed that during Brooke’s wedding planning, Hulk Hogan verbally expressed doubts about making traditional roles and appearances, including walking his daughter down the aisle.
Brooke shared that Hulk Hogan’s hesitancy was linked to emotional and mental state considerations. According to her, her father confided that he simply wasn’t in the right place to take on such a role meaningfully. “He told me, ‘I’m trying to figure a way out of this thing,’” Brooke recalled, emphasizing that Hulk wasn’t comfortable with the conventional wedding duties, which extended beyond just the aisle walk[1]. This was further echoed in backstage conversations with WWE insiders, who noted that Hulk’s private life had been complicated by recent personal changes, including his controversial third marriage to Sky Daily. Brooke later expressed her concerns about that relationship, including Sky’s alleged connections to the Church of Scientology, which added pressure to Hulk Hogan’s already complex family situation[1].
Brooke underscored to media outlets like Wrestling Inc. that, despite the wedding absence, there was no ill will between her and her father. “It was just Hulk being Hulk,” she explained. “He’s a different man, living his life on his own terms. Walking me down the aisle wasn’t in the cards for him, and that’s okay.” The wrestling star also noted that her father remained supportive in other ways, maintaining close contact in the months before and after her marriage[2].
Industry sources from WWE.com and Fightful corroborated that no backstage drama was reported around the time of Brooke’s wedding except for her father’s personal choice to stay out of the spotlight for that occasion. An insider told Fightful, “Hulk’s priorities these days are very different, and family events like this don’t always fit into his schedule or mindset.” The insider also mentioned that Hulk Hogan’s decision was respected by the whole Hogan family to maintain peace and privacy.
It’s worth noting that Brooke’s revelations come at a time when the Hogan family continues to navigate public and private challenges. Hulk Hogan, a wrestling icon inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, has had a tumultuous personal life with multiple marriages and public controversies. Brooke, increasingly stepping into the spotlight as a singer and media personality, has used her platform to clarify misunderstandings and humanize her family’s story. Her statements challenge tabloid speculation and aim to show the genuine complexity behind celebrity relationships.
The Hogan family story resonates widely with WWE fans who appreciate seeing what life is like behind the scenes for wrestling superstars’ families. Brooke Hogan’s openness also highlights a broader trend of wrestling insiders and relatives of performers speaking candidly about their experiences, often using podcasts, interviews, and social media.
In a recent social media post, Brooke appeared serene discussing both her wedding and her father’s absence, emphasizing maturity and understanding rather than resentment[3]. Wrestling fans and commentators on platforms like Ringside News have praised her honesty, noting it adds nuance to the public image of Hulk Hogan as both a wrestling legend and a father.
As of August 2025, no plans have been announced for Hulk Hogan to publicly address this topic himself. However, sources close to the former wrestling superstar suggest that he appreciates Brooke for sharing her perspective and maintaining the family’s dignity in the public eye.
Brooke Hogan’s statement on why Hulk Hogan did not walk her down the aisle offers a rare and thoughtful glimpse into the intersection of wrestling fame, family loyalty, and individual choices. It reminds fans that even wrestling legends have personal moments shaped by love, hesitation, and the complexities of life beyond the ring.
For the latest WWE news and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and trusted media outlets covering wrestling culture and family stories.
Sources: Bubba the Love Sponge Show (August 5, 2025), Wrestling Inc., Parade, Ringside News, WWE.com, Fightful, social media posts by Brooke Hogan.