The wrestling world paused to mourn as legendary icon Hulk Hogan was laid to rest in a private funeral service held on August 5, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. Esteemed WWE and AEW stars, along with major celebrities, gathered to honor Hogan’s legacy, reflecting his profound impact on professional wrestling for decades.
According to Fightful’s Jimmy Van and confirmed by multiple wrestling news outlets including ITR Wrestling and Ringside News, the funeral at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Homes saw a notable attendance from wrestling’s elite. WWE stalwarts such as Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H were present, underscoring Hogan’s deep ties with the McMahon family and WWE’s history. Other WWE Hall of Famers like Kevin Nash, Lex Luger, Sting, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Ted DiBiase Sr. also paid their respects. The presence of John Laurinaitis and Eric Bischoff highlighted the broad spectrum of wrestling talents and executives who had crossed paths with Hogan.
On the AEW front, Paul Wight (formerly WWE’s Big Show) and Adam Copeland (Edge in WWE) attended the service, symbolizing Hogan’s influence beyond WWE. Ric Flair and Jacques Rougeau, longtime friends and rivals of Hogan, were among the legendary wrestling figures paying tribute. Outside the ring, notable celebrities including musician Kid Rock, comedian Theo Von, and former NBA star Dennis Rodman were also in attendance, showcasing Hogan’s crossover appeal. Interestingly, Hogan’s daughter Brooke Hogan was reportedly not present at the funeral, a fact noted by several sources.
Backstage sources close to WWE shared insights on the atmosphere surrounding the funeral, revealing the camaraderie among wrestlers who once shared the ring with Hogan and highlighting his lasting influence on both wrestling’s golden era and contemporary wrestling culture.
In other recent WWE news, the surprising loss of country-rap star Jelly Roll at SummerSlam 2025 has been explained by insiders familiar with the event’s booking decisions. According to a report from Wrestling Headlines citing behind-the-scenes sources, Jelly Roll’s loss was part of a planned storyline to build anticipation for his eventual rise in WWE. The booking team aimed to emphasize resilience and character development rather than an immediate push, signaling long-term investment in Jelly Roll’s wrestling career.
Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback and WWE star Pat McAfee has publicly voiced his frustration with ESPN executives following the network’s recent WWE broadcast deal. On his popular podcast, McAfee criticized ESPN’s handling and communication of the wrestling content partnership, alleging missed opportunities to maximize WWE’s exposure and fan engagement. Sources close to Pat McAfee revealed that he believes ESPN’s executives underestimated the passionate wrestling fanbase and failed to provide the creative freedom WWE personalities require to thrive on sports broadcasting platforms.
This trio of news stories highlights the ongoing evolution and complexities of the wrestling industry—from honoring legends like Hulk Hogan, navigating the careers of crossover stars like Jelly Roll, to the challenges of major broadcast partnerships exemplified by McAfee’s candid critique of ESPN.
As reported by WWE.com, Fightful, Ringside News, and corroborated by multiple podcasts and interviews, the wrestling community continues to adapt and pay homage to its history while forging new paths amid growing mainstream attention.
For ongoing coverage of wrestling news, including updates on WWE talent, industry developments, and exclusive backstage reports, stay tuned to Wrestling Headlines and trusted wrestling news sources.