The passing of Hulk Hogan on July 24, 2025, due to cardiac arrest, deeply affected many. Wrestlers, celebrities, and others have paid their tributes over that period. The following SmackDown, RAW, and NXT saw the talents come together to start the show with a ten-bell salute for the Hulkster. However, WWE’s former Chairman Vince McMahon did not find it settling that he was present there.
Vince McMahon was visibly upset and had the discussion about it during his appearance on the TMZ documentary, Real Hulk Hogan. The TMZ host remarked that McMahon’s absence from the tribute felt wrong; McMahon agreed, stating, “Struck me that way as well.”
This sentiment stemmed from WWE’s decision to distance itself from McMahon after allegations of sex trafficking and sexual misconduct. The fact that Vince was excluded from that star’s tribute, which Vince actually made, shows how seriously WWE has taken the Janel Grant lawsuit.
McMahon did attend Hogan’s memorial service, though, joined by other prominent figures. Hogan’s influence on wrestling and his connection with McMahon remain undeniable, even as WWE navigates its future without two of its most iconic figures.
Vince McMahon also angers over Hulk Hogan’s last WWE appearance
The TMZ documentary, Real Hulk Hogan, also revisited Hulk Hogan’s final WWE appearance. The last time WWE fans witnessed Hogan live was on January 6th, 2025, during Monday Night Raw’s Netflix debut. Instead of a warm reception though, he faced loud boos from the crowd.
Vince McMahon expressed frustration over that moment and said, “I was angry; he deserved much more,”. McMahon criticized the segment’s poor setup and stating, “It’s not the way I would have done it.” Hogan’s public image had become increasingly complex. Beyond a sex tape scandal, his appearances with former President Donald Trump and political comments sparked polarized reactions.
Despite this, McMahon defended Hogan, portraying him as someone who made a significant mistake but wasn’t wholly defined by it. He condemned WWE’s past handling of Hogan and vowed to end the “character assassination” of the wrestling icon.