The wrestling world recently mourned the passing of WWE icon Hulk Hogan, whose funeral was held privately at Indian Rocks Baptist Church near Clearwater, Florida, a location significant for being the site where Hogan and his wife Skye were baptized in 2023. Despite the gathering of wrestling and entertainment legends to honor the Hall of Famer, one notable absence was his daughter, Brooke Hogan. Known to many as an entertainment personality and Hulk Hogan’s eldest child, Brooke has now spoken out publicly to explain her deeply personal reasons for not attending the funeral.

In a heartfelt Instagram post shared shortly after the funeral, Brooke revealed that she chose to grieve her father’s passing in her own way, citing emotional and family-related complexities that made attending the service difficult. She described spending the day at the beach with her six-month-old twins and husband as a form of solace, away from the public eye and media attention surrounding the event. According to Brooke, the recent stresses of family turmoil, particularly involving her own divorce and the surrounding “craziness,” compounded her decision to take time for private reflection rather than a formal farewell with extended family and friends[1][3].

Brooke also expressed skepticism about some details emerging after Hulk Hogan’s death, especially concerning the cause of death reported by medical examiners. She referenced reports indicating Hulk had a history of leukemia, which seemed surprising and inconsistent with her understanding of the family medical history. “They’re saying, ‘Oh, he had leukemia.’ And I’m like, ‘We don’t have cancer that runs in our family,’” she stated. Her questioning of the sudden leukemia diagnosis and the lack of an autopsy led to deeper feelings of confusion and distress, contributing to her decision not to attend the ceremony[1].

Sources close to Brooke have confirmed to Wrestling News that beyond the health-related uncertainties, Brooke’s relationship with her father in recent years had become complicated, influenced by the personal upheavals on both sides. Despite their challenges, she conveyed grief and love privately, choosing to honor Hulk Hogan’s memory quietly rather than amidst the public spectacle of the funeral[3].

The funeral itself was highly poignant and personal, held at the church where Hulk Hogan reaffirmed his Christian faith just two years prior with his wife. The intimate service was attended by close friends and members of the wrestling community, paying tribute to his legendary career and larger-than-life persona that shaped professional wrestling for decades[1][2].

WWE.com and other wrestling media outlets highlighted the reverence paid to Hogan’s legacy, with many tributes poured in from wrestlers past and present who remembered him as a trailblazer and beloved icon in sports entertainment. The absence of Brooke sparked speculation and curiosity among fans and media, but her candid explanation has helped provide clarity amid rumors.

According to a WWE insider familiar with the Hogan family situation, “Brooke’s absence was not a snub or out of anger; it was a deeply personal decision made out of respect for how she needed to cope with the loss. Family dynamics are complex, especially with someone as larger-than-life as Hulk Hogan. Brooke’s priority was her children and finding peace in her own way”[2].

Brooke’s vulnerability in sharing her perspective has been met with empathy within the wrestling community and among fans, many of whom understand the challenges of mourning public figures in private. Her message underscores the fact that grief manifests differently for everyone, and sometimes, the quiet, personal moments hold more significance than public ceremonies.

As Hulk Hogan’s legacy continues to influence WWE and wrestling fans worldwide, Brooke Hogan’s heartfelt explanation adds an important dimension to the story of his final farewell — one marked by love, conflict, and individual paths toward healing.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available or further statements from Brooke or the Hogan family surface. For now, fans can respect that Brooke Hogan has chosen to honor her father’s memory privately while navigating her own path forward.

References:

• Entertainment Tonight, Aug 5, 2025: Coverage and eyewitness account of Hulk Hogan’s funeral[1].
• NickiSwift, Aug 6, 2025: Analysis of Brooke Hogan’s absence and family dynamics[2].
• Wrestling News, Aug 6, 2025: Brooke Hogan’s public explanation via Instagram post[3].
• Insider quote conveyed through WWE-related sources and Fightful reporting.