The wrestling world lost another legend on Thursday as it was reported that Hulk Hogan passed away at the age of 71. The Hall of Famer was synonymous with WWE at many points throughout his career and it looks like the company will be looking to pay tribute to him this week on Friday Night SmackDown.
Fightful Select is reporting that WWE reached out to numerous legends to bring them in or film tributes for Hulk Hogan. Some are reportedly traveling to SmackDown tonight as well. WWE sources noted that they are looking to honor Hogan heavily. The expectation is that Hulk Hogan will be highlighted as normal and featured as a part of the WWE family.
Hogan has not appeared on WWE programming since the Raw premiere on Netflix back in January, and the word is that as of Hogan’s passing there were no firm plans to feature him on WWE programming again. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that WWE wasn’t going to feature him at some point in the future, just that there were no active plans in place for him to make an appearance.
After word of Hogan’s passing started making the rounds on Thursday, WWE issued the following statement on social media:
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
Stay tuned for updates.