WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan on SmackDown
Image: WWE
WWE paid tribute to Hulk Hogan on SmackDown.
The open to Friday’s show had the entire WWE roster on stage for the traditional ten bell salute. Former WWE stars Ted DiBiase, Jimmy Hart, B. Brian Blair, Gerald Brisco, Sgt. Slaughter, and Hacksaw Jim Duggan were also seen. Triple H said a few words before the bell rang ten times.
After the bell salute, a video tribute aired narrated by Triple H that ran over Hogan’s life and career, ranging from early appearances to winning the WWE Championship in 1984, the formation of the nWo, and more recent footage including his final WWE appearance at the Netflix premiere of Raw in January.
“Gone but not forgotten, The Incredible Hulk Hogan,” were the final words said in the video by longtime WWE announcer Mean Gene Okerlund.
Later in the show, Cody Rhodes took time to thank Hogan before focusing on his street fight against John Cena at next week’s SummerSlam PLE.
Hogan passed away on Thursday at the age of 71 after suffering from cardiac arrest at his home. He had been dealing with complications from neck fusion surgery that took place back in May. Tributes have poured across social media in the last 24 hours including from TNA & NJPW, Eric Bischoff, Steve Austin, Vince McMahon, The Rock, President Donald Trump, Linda McMahon, and more.