A heartfelt Father’s Day tribute is gaining renewed attention after the unexpected passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.
On June 15, 2025, both Hulk Hogan and his son, Nick Hogan, shared a throwback photo on social media to celebrate Father’s Day. The post, which once marked a joyful moment, now holds deeper meaning following Hulk’s death on July 24.
The nostalgic image—likely taken during Nick’s school days—shows father and son dressed alike: Hulk wore a yellow bandana, and Nick wore a red one, but both had on matching yellow shirts and red pants. Striking a classic pose, they flexed their arms and made playful, fierce faces, echoing Hulk’s signature style.
Nick captioned his Instagram post, “Had a great Father’s Day with the goat! Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dads! 💪💪.” Hulk’s own page and the social media account for his wrestling store also shared the same image, wishing fans a happy Father’s Day while promoting merchandise.
After Hulk’s sudden passing, fans flooded the post’s comments section with condolences. Though Nick hasn’t spoken publicly since the loss, his wife, Tana Lea, paid tribute by reposting photos from their recent wedding that featured Hulk.
One snapshot shows Hulk standing proudly in the background, arms raised in celebration. Another captures a warm moment as he places his hand on Nick’s shoulder, both smiling—proof of the deep bond they shared. A source confirmed to Us Weekly that the two were very close. “Nick got married recently and lives near his dad in Florida. Their relationship was solid,” the insider shared.
While Tana’s tribute offered a personal glimpse into Hulk’s final months, others in the wrestling world have expressed their sorrow. Ric Flair, visibly emotional in an interview with TMZ, mourned the loss of his longtime friend and fellow wrestling icon, saying he had just spoken to Hulk’s manager, Jimmy Hart, the day before.
Despite years of rivalry in the ring, Ric emphasized how close their friendship truly was. “We were actually very, very close,” he said through tears. “This is just heartbreaking.” Reflecting on their chemistry in the ring, he added, “We had magic.”
Ric shared that they remained in contact regularly and often participated in joint events, from autograph signings to karaoke nights at Hulk’s bar. He recalled a touching gesture: Hulk once gave Ric money and wouldn’t accept repayment. And when Ric was hospitalized during a life-threatening health scare, Hulk was one of the first to visit.
“How do you forget something like that?” Ric asked, his grief still raw.
Fans were moved by Ric’s emotional tribute, many commenting on the strength of their friendship and how it extended beyond professional wrestling. “That’s real brotherhood,” one fan wrote. Another said, “This just shows how genuine bonds are built even off-camera.”
Others spoke of the legacy these two legends built. “True friends—despite controversies, Ric and Hulk will always be icons,” one comment read. Another added, “Even as rivals, you could feel Ric’s pain. Their friendship was real.”
As more tributes continue to pour in, Ric Flair’s public heartbreak stands as a powerful reminder of the lasting connections forged in and beyond the wrestling ring.