WWE honored Hall of Famer and professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan on Friday, one day after his passing at 71 years old.

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, with 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.

In the U.S., you can watch SmackDown on USA Network, which is available to stream on Fubo. Fubo offers a free trial so you can try before you buy.

Social media users claimed the wrestling icon's death on July 24, 2025, occurred exactly a decade after WWE terminated his contract.

Hogan also famously wrestled for WWE competitor World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s, turning heel (wrestling parlance for bad guy) and becoming Hollywood Hulk Hogan as a member of the New World Order (NWO). He has also wrestled for promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling and TNA.

Trump led a wave of tributes honoring Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, who lived in Clearwater, Florida. WWE star died of cardiac arrest at age 71.

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