In the weeks following the shocking passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, WWE paid tribute with a solemn 10-bell salute before its flagship programs—RAW, SmackDown, and NXT. However, backstage reports reveal that several WWE Superstars declined to take part in this memorial tribute, sparking conversations about Hogan’s complex legacy within the locker room.
The tribute, which aired on July 25, 28, and 29 respectively, gathered much of the WWE roster on stage as they honored Terry Bollea—better known as Hulk Hogan—with a heartfelt moment of silence. WWE’s official broadcast opened with heartfelt comments on Hogan’s monumental influence on the wrestling industry, acknowledging him as an icon who inspired millions worldwide[1][4][5].
Despite the widespread tribute, notable absences were present, with Roman Reigns missing from the salute being the most conspicuous to fans. Insider sources now reveal that Reigns was among several stars who chose not to participate in the salute. According to Fightful and other credible wrestling news outlets, the list of those refusing to attend includes a handful of top-tier WWE talents—though the full roster of non-participants remains confidential for now[3].
A WWE insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to Wrestling Headlines that “while many wrestlers respected Hogan’s standing as a trailblazer, some were uncomfortable engaging in such a tribute due to his complicated history and past controversies.” This aligns with murmurs from within the locker room, where differing views on Hogan’s legacy have been openly acknowledged, illustrating a divide among performers regarding how best to honor wrestling history amid evolving cultural awareness.
Meanwhile, amid the tribute buzz, a different storyline unfolded backstage at WWE RAW. A WWE Superstar recently debuted a striking new look that caught the attention of fans and colleagues alike. Sources close to the situation revealed that this fresh appearance is part of a broader character evolution, intended to re-energize the star’s presence on WWE programming and engage the audience in new storylines. Though the superstar’s name remains under wraps for now, the revamped look signals WWE’s ongoing commitment to freshening its product and maintaining viewer interest[3].
The tribute segment itself was powerful and emotional, underscoring Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling. Each 10-bell salute across WWE’s shows was a show of respect, led by various superstars who shared the stage to pay homage to the “Immortal” one, reflecting on his charismatic presence and pioneering role that opened doors for generations[1][4]. WWE publicly released packages highlighting Hogan’s storied matches and career milestones, reminding fans of his legendary status in sports entertainment[2][5].
While respects were paid, the mention-worthy incident of stars opting out of the tribute underscores the complexities WWE faces in balancing reverence for its past with the evolving perspectives of its present-day roster. This developing story has since sparked debate within the wrestling community, reflecting broader conversations about legacy, accountability, and the way history is commemorated in modern entertainment.
In summary, multiple WWE Superstars have reportedly refused to participate in the 10-bell salute for Hulk Hogan, citing personal and professional reasons related to Hogan’s controversial legacy. This comes during an otherwise heartfelt tribute season across RAW, SmackDown, and NXT. Additionally, a notable WWE Superstar has made headlines backstage at RAW with a new look signaling fresh creative directions[3]. As WWE navigates this delicate moment, the company continues to evolve its on-screen product while honoring wrestling legends—sometimes under complicated circumstances.
Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling Headlines, Ringside News, official WWE broadcasts.