Last year the wrestling world lost a major name when Hulk Hogan passed away. The Hulkster obviously had a huge impact on the business, and WWE decided to honor Hogan with a 10 bell salute on television.
It was revealed in the new Hulk Hogan: Real American documentary on Netflix that Triple H told anyone who didn’t want to stand on stage for the 10 bell salute that they didn’t have to, and there would be no issues.
“Just before we get started, as I’m sure everyone is aware, there was the unfortunate passing of Hulk Hogan yesterday. It’s hard to say there’s been a more influential figure, especially on the performing side.
No one is perfect in life, and he had his ups and downs, but we’re going to continue to remember Hulk Hogan for what he meant to this industry. His influence cannot be denied, and it cannot be overstated.
You could make an argument that we probably wouldn’t be sitting here today. This business might have gone the way of roller derby or some other s**t that didn’t quite make it to the end—but here we are.
So we’re going to start this show out tonight with a 10-bell salute, with everybody on stage. I don’t think it needs to be said, but anybody that has an issue or does not want to be on that stage—no problem, no issue, no anything.”