The wrestling world united on August 5, 2025, to pay tribute to the iconic Hulk Hogan at a private memorial service held at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida. Among those gathered were legendary figures across multiple wrestling promotions, including WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley and wrestling executive Dixie Carter, who notably used the occasion to set aside longstanding rivalries and heal old wounds.
D-Von Dudley shared insights on the Duke Loves Rasslin podcast about how the Hulk Hogan memorial became a turning point for him emotionally and personally. Dudley described the event as more than just a farewell; it was a moment for reflection and reconciliation. Despite previous tensions, Dudley and Carter were able to bury their grudges in honor of Hogan’s legacy, illustrating the profound respect Hogan commanded within the industry and the uniting power of his memory[Original Reference].
Hulk Hogan, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at his Clearwater, Florida home due to cardiac arrest, was more than a wrestling legend. Known for his charismatic persona and role in popularizing professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s, Hogan’s influence extended well beyond the squared circle. His career achievements included being a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and a cultural icon synonymous with professional wrestling’s golden era[3].
The memorial attracted a star-studded crowd from both WWE and AEW, highlighting Hogan’s impact across the wrestling spectrum. WWE legends such as Triple H, Kevin Nash, and the McMahon family (Vince, Linda, Stephanie, and Shane) were present, along with AEW stars Paul Wight (Big Show) and Adam Copeland (Edge). The presence of these top-tier figures from competing promotions underscored the significant respect Hogan held industry-wide[1][4].
Aside from prominent wrestling personalities, the memorial also drew notable non-wrestling guests, including musician Kid Rock and comedian Theo Von, illustrating Hogan’s broad cultural reach[1]. The private nature of the service was strictly maintained, with controlled access and security ensuring a solemn and intimate environment for family and close friends.
Behind the scenes, sources close to WWE indicated that the memorial offered an unexpected but welcome opportunity for reconciliation. The wrestling business is no stranger to public disputes and backstage animosities, but the shared grief over Hogan’s passing prompted rare moments of unity. A WWE insider told Fightful that “For many, it was a reminder of what brought us all together in the first place — a love for this business and for Hulk as a person.” This sentiment was echoed by Dudley, who described the event as a chance to “put aside differences and remember what truly matters.”[Original Reference][1]
The memorial service also served as a pivotal moment for fans and industry veterans alike to reflect on Hogan’s profound contributions. Besides his unmatched in-ring achievements and charismatic promos, Hogan helped bring wrestling into mainstream pop culture, paving the way for countless athletes whose careers followed. WWE’s official channels emphasized this legacy, highlighting Hogan’s role in shaping the landscape of sports entertainment and ensuring his place as a pillar of wrestling history[3].
In addition to his wrestling accolades, Hogan was known for his philanthropy and community involvement, supporting children’s hospitals and cancer research, further amplifying the positive impact of his legacy. These facets of his life were celebrated during the memorial service, reinforcing the multi-dimensional nature of his influence[3].
While Hogan’s daughter Brooke Hogan was notably absent from the funeral, the large turnout of peers, friends, and family underscored the breadth of the wrestling family’s respect. Various interviews and social media posts from attendees captured moments of solemnity and camaraderie, enhancing the narrative of a tightly knit community honoring one of its greatest icons[1][5].
The emotional atmosphere of the memorial was palpable to those who witnessed it, as reflected in leaked footage and eyewitness accounts. WWE’s top diplomats in the locker room, including legends like Ric Flair and Jim Duggan, stood alongside younger stars, bridging generations in a shared homage[2]. This intergenerational gathering exemplified Hogan’s unique role as a unifying figure in wrestling culture.
In summary, the Hulk Hogan memorial was not only a celebration of a legendary career but also a catalyst for healing within the wrestling world. The event’s significance extended beyond the ceremony itself, as it provided a rare space for reconciliation, epitomized by the coming together of figures like D-Von Dudley and Dixie Carter. It serves as a powerful reminder of the respect held for Hogan and the lasting bonds forged through the shared history of professional wrestling.
As WWE and the broader wrestling community continue to honor Hulk Hogan’s memory, the legacy of unity and respect that emerged from this memorial stands as a fitting tribute to a man who shaped the sport and impacted the lives of many.
Sources: Duke Loves Rasslin podcast; WWE.com; Fightful’s Jimmy Van reports; ITR Wrestling; TMZ; TitanCasket.com; eyewitness and leaked footage reports dated August 2025