Netflix documentary reveals how Triple H addressed Hulk Hogan’s death
Netflix’s newly released Hulk Hogan documentary reveals how Paul “Triple H” Levesque handled the death of one of WWE’s biggest stars of all time.
In the last episode of the four-part series, there is a clip of Levesque addressing WWE staff backstage the day after Hogan’s death. Levesque indirectly acknowledged Hogan’s racism controversy but said the company was still going to remember what he meant to the industry, holding a 10-bell salute on that night’s SmackDown episode. He said if anyone did not want to participate in the tribute, they would face no issues for skipping it.
“All right, guys, welcome to Cleveland. Just before we get started, as I’m sure everyone is aware, unfortunate passing of Hulk Hogan yesterday,” Levesque said. “Hard to say there’s been a more influential figure, especially on the performing side. No one is perfect in life, and they had ups and downs, but we’re going to continue to remember Hulk Hogan as 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, does not want to be on that stage — no problem, no issue, no anything.”
WWE has continued to honor Hogan following his July 2025 passing. During WrestleMania weekend, a Hogan statue was unveiled at WWE World. The company then inducted Hogan vs. Andre the Giant from WrestleMania III into the Hall of Fame as this year’s Immortal Moment Award winner.
The “Hulk Hogan: Real American” docuseries also includes an interview with Cody Rhodes that was conducted at the July 25, 2025 SmackDown episode.
“I know it’s complicated,” Rhodes said about Hogan’s death. “I do, how everyone feels. But I think we all have to kind of wrestle with the idea that he’s gone. And there’s so many great things about ‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan. Can we focus on those?”
The final WWE appearance of Hogan’s career was at Raw’s Netflix premiere in January 2025, where Hogan was loudly booed by the crowd. Levesque said he was not surprised by the booing.
“Did I think he was going to be booed out of the building? Probably. Especially in LA. Right? Like, there’s just a different vibe there and a different mentality there,” Levesque said. “He’s made a lot of mistakes. For some people, he hasn’t necessarily always atoned for those mistakes. Or even the apologies were seen as hollow.”
At the end of the docuseries, there is a clip of Vince McMahon speaking at Hogan’s funeral and asking everyone to cheer for Hogan one last time.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.