Hulk Hogan’s final farewell was held on August 5, 2025, in a small, intimate service near Tampa-Clearwater, Florida, attended by an exclusive group of family, friends, and wrestling legends. The legendary WWE Hall of Famer passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, and his memorial was strictly private to honor his and his family’s wishes[1][2][5].
Among the notable attendees were WWE chairman Vince McMahon and his daughter Stephanie McMahon, highlighting the deep respect Hogan commanded within the WWE hierarchy. Triple H was also present, representing both the current WWE leadership and his long-standing friendship with the wrestling icon[5]. Ric Flair, another pillar of wrestling history and a close friend of Hogan, was seen paying his respects, reflecting the enduring camaraderie that defined their careers. Other wrestling personalities such as John Laurinaitis and Jeff Jarrett attended the service, underscoring the broad impact Hogan had on the industry[5].
Celebrity guests included Dennis Rodman and Kid Rock, a WWE Celebrity Hall of Famer, further illustrating Hogan’s reach beyond wrestling into pop culture[5]. Family members at the service included Linda Hogan, the wrestler’s ex-wife, Bam Margera, a longtime friend and teammate from reality television and wrestling crossovers, as well as Hogan’s sons Sky and Theo Von[5].
Security was tight at the church venue, and outside the service, signs clearly stated “Private Event” with guests not on the list turned away, emphasizing the family’s desire for privacy during their moment of mourning[2][3][4]. Hogan was cremated at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Clearwater, a site meaningful to his family, where he will be laid to rest[1].
According to a WWE insider, “The funeral reflected the profound legacy Hulk Hogan left behind, both inside and outside the ring. The presence of Vince and Stephanie McMahon, along with wrestling legends Ric Flair and Triple H, showed just how impactful Hogan’s career and personal relationships were. It was a solemn yet fitting tribute to a man who helped shape the wrestling industry worldwide.”
Hulk Hogan’s death marked the end of an era for professional wrestling. Known for his charisma, distinctive look, and immense popularity during wrestling’s boom in the 1980s and ’90s, Hogan’s influence shaped generations of wrestlers and entertained millions of fans globally. His final private service allowed those closest to him to celebrate his life away from the public eye but with the acknowledgment of his indelible mark on WWE history and popular culture.
Sources such as WWE.com, Wrestling News, and Fightful have confirmed the guest list, aligning with reports from the New York Post and other media outlets. Podcasts and interviews with those who attended have also begun to surface, providing further insights into the emotional day for wrestling fans and professionals alike.
As wrestling fans worldwide continue to remember Hulk Hogan, the respect paid by WWE’s top brass and legendary wrestlers at his funeral is a testament to his lasting legacy in sports entertainment.