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.

The late Hulk Hogan’s son, Nick Hogan, was choked up as WWE paid tribute to the “larger than life” wrestler at SummerSlam 2025. Nick, 35, and his wife, Tana Lea, were shown in the crowd at the WWE’s flagship summer event at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford,

As Hulk’s classic theme song “Real American” played at the end of the tribute, Nick was seen holding back tears in the crowd as he stood clapping alongside his wife. He then made a prayer motion and placed his hand on his chest as fans cheered in the stadium.