Nick Hogan, son of the legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, has recently hinted at the possibility of embarking on a wrestling career himself, several months after the passing of his father. Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, died in July 2025 at the age of 71. His death marked the end of an era for wrestling fans worldwide, but it also appears to have inspired Nick Hogan to consider following in his father’s footsteps.
In the weeks following Hulk Hogan’s death, Nick was seen attending multiple WWE events. These appearances seemed to offer him some comfort, as he told TMZ Sports that being around the wrestling business “makes me feel so much closer to Dad.” This connection to his father’s world appeared to be both a tribute and a source of solace during a difficult time.
Adding fuel to speculation about a potential wrestling career, Nick Hogan was recently photographed with Byron Idol, a notable star from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), just outside a wrestling ring. This image sparked conversations among wrestling fans and media outlets about whether Nick might step into the ring professionally. When asked about the possibility of wrestling, Nick was noncommittal but open, saying, “You never know, man. It’s in the blood. So, you never know.” He went on to mention that he was in good shape and jokingly referenced his father’s famous finishing move, the leg drop, signaling that he might be preparing himself physically for something more serious. “I’m cool. Not saying too much, but trying to stay in shape. We’ll see what happens. Never hurts to drop the leg here and there,” he added.
Hulk Hogan’s health had been a concern leading up to his passing. He had a history of atrial fibrillation, a heart condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. Official reports confirmed that his cause of death was a heart attack. In the weeks before his death, there were rumors about a health crisis, but his widow, Sky Daily Hogan, publicly denied these reports, affirming that Hulk was “strong” and recovering from surgeries. In a heartfelt social media post, she acknowledged that while Hogan had been “dealing with some health issues,” she had believed they would overcome them.
Hulk Hogan’s impact on the world of professional wrestling cannot be overstated. During his career, he was the central babyface—the hero character—of what was then the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. He won numerous world championship titles and was twice inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame: first in 2005 as a solo performer, and again in 2020 as a member of the influential wrestling faction known as the New World Order (NWO). His charisma, larger-than-life persona, and signature moves helped catapult professional wrestling into mainstream American culture during the 1980s and 1990s.
Beyond wrestling, Hulk Hogan ventured into business and entertainment. In 2024, he launched Real American Beer, a brand named after the theme song that played during his wrestling entrances. He also founded Real American Freestyle, a wrestling promotion company, in April 2025, aiming to foster new talent and provide more opportunities within the wrestling world. Although Hogan’s appearances with WWE had become less frequent in his later years, he remained connected to the industry, making his final WWE appearance in January 2025 at an event in Los Angeles.
Hogan’s influence extended beyond wrestling into politics. He publicly supported former President Donald Trump, speaking at the Republican National Convention and participating in a rally at Madison Square Garden in 2024. His involvement in politics showcased another aspect of his multifaceted public persona, though wrestling remained his primary legacy.
The passing of Hulk Hogan elicited an outpouring of tributes from across the sports and entertainment worlds. WWE honored him with a 10-bell salute during a “SmackDown!” event the day after his death, a traditional gesture of respect and remembrance in wrestling. Fellow wrestlers, WWE talent, legends, and fans alike shared memories and condolences, celebrating Hogan’s profound impact on their lives and the wrestling business.
Nick Hogan’s potential entry into wrestling carries the weight of a storied legacy. As he navigates his own path, the wrestling community watches with interest to see if he will continue his father’s tradition inside the ring