The famously tumultuous separation of Hulk and Linda Hogan created an irreparable family rift. Following the wrestling legend’s recent death, one of his ex-wife’s social media posts has taken on a surprisingly poignant and prescient meaning.
The Sudden Loss of a Legend
On July 24, 2025, professional wrestler Hulk Hogan passed away at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. TMZ reported that paramedics responded early Thursday morning, captured on video attempting chest compressions outside his home. Despite their efforts, the iconic wrestler was pronounced dead later that morning at a local hospital. News of his death quickly prompted an outpouring of statements and tributes across social media.
WWE, the largest wrestling promotion, expressed their sadness: “WWE is saddened to learn legendary 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.” The organization extended condolences to his family, friends, and legions of fans.
A Nostalgic Post Amidst Family Strife
In the wake of Hogan’s death, a particular social media post from Linda Hogan, his first wife, has gained a new, somber significance. Just five days before his passing, on July 19, Linda shared an unexpectedly sentimental throwback on Instagram.
The post featured an undated photograph from the mid-1990s, showing Linda looking striking in a tight black shoulderless dress with matching long gloves, while Hulk sported his classic yellow-and-red “Hulkster” WCW attire. Linda captioned the photo, “The good old days !” While such reminiscing might be normal for many former couples, the Hogan’s contentious divorce and recent public expressions of resentment made Linda’s post unusual. Now, after his death, it appears to be an oddly prescient and touching tribute.
Hulk and Linda married in 1983 and had two children, Brooke and Nick Hogan. Their marriage gained global attention with the 2005 debut of the VH1 reality show “Hogan Knows Best.” Their highly publicized and contentious divorce in 2007, reportedly following Hulk’s affair with one of his daughter’s friends, led to the show’s cancellation that same year.
The end of their marriage marked the beginning of a years-long period of estrangement and struggle within the family. In March 2025, TMZ shared a video, reportedly from Linda’s social media, where she described her family as “the worst mess.” She revealed she hadn’t had contact with Brooke in over seven years, though she remained close with Nick. She publicly called Hulk a “complete liar” and a “sex addict,” expressing frustration over his public celebration. Brooke responded to her mother’s video with her own Instagram statement, detailing lifelong “extreme” verbal and psychological abuse, sometimes physical, holding both Hulk and Linda accountable. “I am breaking the chain. It ends with ME,” Brooke wrote, explaining her “extremely hard and painful decision to end contact” with both parents due to their actions over the years.
After news of Hulk’s death broke, fans began commenting on Linda’s throwback post, with over 300 heartfelt messages sharing sorrow and offering well wishes.
Hulk’s Later Years and Legacy
Hulk’s passing comes only two years after his marriage to his third wife, Sky Hogan. They married in an intimate ceremony in September 2023, a moment Sky documented in an Instagram video montage. Their relationship was initially revealed to the public in 2022 through an Instagram post from Sky, featuring a backstage selfie of them both in black and white attire.
Hulk Hogan’s death occurred just two months shy of his second wedding anniversary with Sky. We extend our condolences to Linda, Sky, the rest of the Hogan family, and all those mourning this significant loss.