It’s been just over a year since wrestler Hulk Hogan, AKA Terry Bollea, died after a heart attack, and now his son, Nick Hogan, is reflecting on his life and death.
“You look back on the past year, and I would definitely say that the work and dedication to continuing the legacy is really what has carried us through. There is a really good sense of purpose and also a direction for carrying on that legacy,” Nick explained to TV Insider.
Hulk’s project partner, Rich Rosen, never expected Hulk’s death. He thought he’d be fine because he’s the “immortal” Hulk Hogan. The last time he talked to him, he sounded good.
Nick said, “Me and my dad were, first and foremost, extremely close. We were best friends. We spent a lot of time together, and the father-son dynamic was really unique for us because we were so close. He was my mentor.”
He wasn’t just an advisor but one of Nick’s closest friends. They often worked closely together on his dad’s projects. He knew that his dad just wanted his company.
Nick added, “And he trusted me, and that was one of the things that was so beneficial is that we had this trust where I was his inner circle and that anything that he needed, I was there to help.”
Related: Hulk Hogan’s Cause of Death Confirmed
A documentary about Hulk, called HULK HOGAN: REAL AMERICA, came out earlier this year.
“The goal was just to to tell as much of his story as possible and to really humanize Hulk Hogan and really get to know Terry Bollea,” director Bryan Storkel said in an exclusive interview.
Nick was in awe of how his dad’s wrestling persona could pivot from being a good guy to a bad guy. Behind the persona, he was a caring person.
“People may not fully know or understand is just how much he cared about people around him, and about his fans, and about the people that support him and just people in general. [He cared about] His community and people that were less fortunate than him and people that he could help. He did,” Nick said.
Since his father’s death, Nick has gotten closer with his family — especially his sister, Brooke. The family previously had very public feuds, but now, they feel close, Nick said.
“Everyone’s doing great. Everyone’s been really supportive and everyone’s really been strong this past year. So great to have a fantastic support group with us,” Nick said.
He told TV Insider, “I’m so proud of Brooke… This is just a really exciting time for her. She had twins. She got married. We’re just really excited for everything that’s going on for her. I’m so proud of her and, you know, everybody’s doing really well. My mom [Linda] is doing great right now. My entire family has been so supportive of everything that we’re doing. So, we’re in a really good place.”
As Nick looks toward the future, he hopes to continue the path his father made by building on the legacy he’s left behind.
Read Next: ‘He’s Been Welcomed Home’: Hulk Hogan’s Wife Reflects on His Sudden Death
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
