SmackDown was a night of remembrance for WWE. The July 25 edition of WWE's weekly show was the first one to take place since the death of Hulk Hogan, arguably the biggest star in company history. WWE typically holds tributes during shows after former stars have died,

Robert Griffin III Pays Tribute After WWE Legend Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. WWE icon Hulk Hogan passed away at 71 from a heart attack, according to the WWE and Associated Press.

Hulk Hogan’s tribute during the WWE SmackDown opening in Cleveland garnered loud applause and the crowd ‘Hogan’ in unison to honour the late wrestler.

Hogan also famously wrestled for WWE competitor World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s, turning heel (wrestling parlance for bad guy) and becoming Hollywood Hulk Hogan as a member of the New World Order (NWO). He has also wrestled for promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling and TNA.

WWE honored Hall of Famer and professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan on Friday, one day after his passing at 71 years old.

"SmackDown" celebrated the indescribable impact of Hulk Hogan with a tribute to Terry Bollea's life and legacy. It continued throughout the night, and interestingly enough, even featured comments about his legacy being "complex" from both commentary and Cody Rhodes.

Social media users claimed the wrestling icon's death on July 24, 2025, occurred exactly a decade after WWE terminated his contract.

Hulk Hogan's close friend Jimmy Hart talks exclusively to PEOPLE about the WWE star's health in his final days and reflects on his friendship, after Hogan's death on Thursday, July 24.