WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash gave a heartfelt and candid recount of attending the private funeral service for his longtime friend and nWo teammate, the late Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), in a recent episode of his Kliq This podcast. Nash detailed the logistical chaos of the day, his emotional struggle with the reality of loss, and the profound impact Hogan’s passing has had on those close to him.

The private “Celebration of Life” ceremony for Hulk Hogan took place on August 5, 2025, at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Florida. It was a high-profile yet intimate gathering attended by wrestling legends from multiple generations, AEW stars, Hogan’s close friends, and family. The occasion underscored Hogan’s indelible influence on professional wrestling as well as the profound respect he commanded in and out of the ring.

A Chaotic Journey to a Somber Goodbye

Kevin Nash described in detail how the trip to the funeral was fraught with unexpected obstacles, including severe weather conditions, which added a layer of stress to an already emotional day. Once arriving, Nash recounted the solemn security measures in place. “When I walked in and like, you know, there was security and they had to go through a book and see if your name was and everything else, and then they handed you, I don’t know if it’s called the program, yeah, and there was that picture of Terry, and it was just like, I don’t know. Man, it was the same thing when I got the thing at Scott’s. It’s just like, it’s all of a sudden it becomes real,” Nash said during the Kliq This podcast[2].

This moment marked a stark emotional shift for Nash as he faced the finality of losing a brother-in-arms whose legacy intertwined with his own during their time in the New World Order faction. Nash openly shared his difficulty coping with death, noting, “Me and death don’t get along real well. I don’t do death very well… I made sure that it was closed, because I do not do the open casket.” His frank admission humanizes the wrestling icon and offers a glimpse into the personal grief experienced behind the scenes.

Attendees Reflect Wrestling’s Close-Knit Community

The funeral service brought together an impressive array of wrestling greats and notable guests, signaling Hogan’s widespread impact in the industry. Confirmed attendees included WWE Hall of Famers Triple H and Kevin Nash himself, as well as AEW stars Paul Wight (formerly Big Show) and Adam Copeland (Edge). Other wrestling legends such as Ric Flair, Jacques Rougeau, and Jim Duggan were present to pay their respects[1].

The McMahon family — Vince, Linda, Stephanie, and Shane — also attended, representing WWE’s leadership and longtime connection with Hulk Hogan. Notably absent from the service was Hogan’s daughter Brooke Hogan, a fact reported by several outlets but not elaborated on[1].

Outside of wrestling, celebrity friends including musician Kid Rock and comedian Theo Von were among those who participated in the farewell, highlighting Hogan’s reach beyond sports entertainment.

Honoring Hogan’s Voice and Legacy

At the funeral, several key figures spoke in tribute to Hogan’s life and legacy. Nash mentioned that fellow wrestling personalities ‘Paul,’ ‘Jimmy,’ ‘The Emperor,’ and even Vince McMahon shared heartfelt eulogies. This array of speakers paid homage to the multi-faceted life Hogan led as both a pioneering wrestler and as a man who deeply affected those around him[2].

In addition to remembering the man himself, Nash has recently come to Hogan’s defense amid renewed scrutiny of the wrestling icon’s controversial past. Addressing critics on his podcast, Nash urged respect for Hogan’s family and legacy, emphasizing that Hogan’s longtime fans and friends are still grieving. “Think about his kids, think about his friends and family. If you don’t have nothing good to say, shut the f–k up,” Nash said bluntly[3].

Wrestlers Unite Across Promotions in Shared Mourning

Another remarkable aspect of Hulk Hogan’s funeral was the unity displayed across wrestling promotions. The presence of AEW stars alongside WWE legends emphasized Hogan’s profound influence across the entire wrestling world. Paul Wight and Adam Copeland’s attendance, despite their current AEW affiliation, served as a reminder that respect for Hogan transcended company lines[1].

Conclusion

Kevin Nash’s unfiltered sharing of his experience attending Hulk Hogan’s funeral provides an intimate portrait of grief, respect, and reflection within the wrestling community. His candid storytelling—from the stressful journey to the emotional impact of the ceremony itself—offers fans a rare glimpse into how legends mourn their own. Hogan’s passing has provoked both celebration and controversy, but as Nash eloquently advocates, the moment calls for compassion and honoring the man who helped shape professional wrestling as it is known today.

Fans can listen to the full episode of Kliq This on all major podcast platforms to hear Nash’s story in his own words and gain further insights into the life and legacy of “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan.

Sources for this report include wrestling news site PWMania, Fightful’s coverage, the Kliq This podcast, and authoritative wrestling news outlets such as WrestlingNews.co and ITR Wrestling[1][2][3].