The latest episode of the TV show Friday Night SmackDown is dedicated to the late idol. Many legends from days gone by are also attending the tribute.
It was the first WWE show after the death of its once greatest star – and it was dedicated entirely to the late Hulk Hogan.
In the latest edition of the TV show Friday Night SmackDown following Hogan’s death on Thursday, the league honored its former figurehead with an extensive tribute.
WWE SmackDown: Hulk Hogan honored in emotional tribute
At the start of the show, the entire SmackDown roster gathered for the wrestling equivalent of a moment of silence: the “Ten Bell Salute,” in which the ring bell was rung ten times for the deceased while stars and fans paid their respects in silence.
Tonight, WWE remembers the legendary Hulk Hogan with a 10-bell salute. pic.twitter.com/66vGLZv7bH
— WWE (@WWE) July 26, 2025
Also in attendance were various companions from Hogan’s earlier days: his former manager Jimmy Hart, his discoverer Gerald Brisco, the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, Sgt. Slaughter, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, and B. Brian Blair. WWE Executive Vice President “Triple H” Paul Levesque hosted the ceremony and gave a short speech. This was followed by an emotional video highlighting Hogan’s career, ending with a quote from Hogan’s legendary interviewer, ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund, who passed away in 2019: “Gone but never forgotten: The Incredible Hulk Hogan.”
Later, current WWE top star Cody Rhodes also dedicated words of thanks to Hogan before moving on to promote his big match against WWE Champion John Cena next weekend at SummerSlam,
At the end of the show, a new match was revealed for the summer highlight: The Wyatt Sicks will put their tag team titles on the line against five other duos (DIY, the Street Profits, the Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, Andrade and Rey Fenix) in a TLC match where tables, ladders and chairs are allowed.
