Hulk Hogan’s tribute to open WWE SmackDown on Friday night was nothing short of a tear-jerker.
The event in Cleveland was opened with loud applause and the crowd chanting “Hogan” in unison to honor the late wrestler who died at 71 years old on Thursday.
Fellow wrestler Triple H led the tribute for Hogan.
To start his speech, he said the WWE community “lost one of the biggest and most globally recognized icons in the world.”
“A man I grew up watching, was fortunate to share the ring with, and, like so many of us, were honored to call a friend,” Triple H, who now serves as the WWE’s chief content officer, said.
The WWE mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan during SmackDown at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on July 25, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. WWE via Getty Images
Triple H also said how Hogan — whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea — inspired millions of people over the course of his career.
“He captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe,” Triple H said.
Dozens of the most prominent WWE members stood behind Triple H on stage, with an in memoriam banner of Hogan in the background.
“We would not be standing here right now, all of us together, if it was not for him,” Triple H continued.
“The one, the immortal, Hulk Hogan,” he concluded.
The WWE mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan during SmackDown at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on July 25, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. WWE via Getty Images
A 10-bell salute for Hogan then followed, which met with roaring applause shortly after.
The tribute then ended with a video montage going through Hogan’s life and his long career in wrestling.
Hogan’s death Thursday rocked members of the WWE community, with many saying that it was unexpected.
Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s longtime manager and close friend, was in shock over his passing.
The WWE mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan during SmackDown at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on July 25, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. WWE via Getty Images
“I called [Hogan] on Wednesday night, and then Thursday morning is when everything took place,” Hart told People Friday. “So just…just overnight it all happened, but it was so positive the day before.”
Hart also said he thought Hogan was doing well the last time he saw him.
“He was great,” Hart told People in regard to seeing Hogan for the final time about a month ago. “He had great food to eat that night. He was talking with the fans. He was just phenomenal.”
First responders received an initial 911 call at around 10 a.m. on Thursday for a cardiac arrest, according to audio obtained by TMZ.
Hulk Hogan at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN in April 2007. George Napolitano / SplashNews.com
Hogan was then taken to a hospital near his Clearwater, Fla., home and died around 11:17 a.m.
“[Hogan] was experiencing a serious medical-related issue,” the Clearwater Police Department told reporters on Thursday.
Throughout his life, Hogan had 25 surgeries and sustained numerous health problems due to steroid use and injuries during his WWE career.