What Triple H told WWE staff about the company’s televised tribute to Hulk Hogan
Following the death of Hulk Hogan in July 2025, WWE held a meeting to discuss plans for the company’s televised tribute. In footage shown in the docuseries Hulk Hogan: Real American, Paul “Triple H” Levesque stated the following…
“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 sh*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.”
Triple H takes us into the creative meeting discussing the plans to honor Hulk Hogan before Smackdown
“We’re gonna start the show with a 10 bell salute”
“If anyone has an issue or does not want to be on stage, no problem no issue”
pic.twitter.com/mEJqBqrzkE— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) April 23, 2026