Nick Hogan’s Final Father’s Day Message to Hulk Hogan Takes on Poignant Meaning

A son’s loving tribute becomes a treasured memory following the wrestling legend’s unexpected passing

A Father’s Day Memory That Lives Forever

In the wake of Hulk Hogan’s sudden passing on July 24, 2025, a heartfelt Father’s Day tribute shared by his son Nick has taken on profound new significance. The social media post, originally shared on June 15, 2025, now serves as one of the final public expressions of love between father and son, offering fans and family alike a poignant reminder of their enduring bond.

The Instagram post featured a nostalgic photograph that perfectly captured the playful relationship between the wrestling icon and his son. Taken years ago in what appears to be a school classroom setting, the image shows both father and son in matching outfits—Hulk sporting his signature yellow bandana while Nick wore a red one, both dressed in coordinating yellow shirts and red pants.

The most striking element of the photograph is the synchronized power flex both are performing, with clenched fists and playful snarls that mirror the theatrical intensity Hulk Hogan brought to his professional wrestling career. This moment of shared performance speaks to the deep connection between father and son, as well as Nick’s understanding and appreciation of his father’s larger-than-life persona.

A Son’s Love Expressed in Simple Words

Nick’s accompanying caption was both simple and profound: “Had a great Father’s Day with the goat! Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dads! .” The use of “goat”—an acronym for “Greatest Of All Time”—reflected not only Nick’s admiration for his father’s professional achievements but also his recognition of Hulk’s excellence as a father figure.

The wrestling legend’s own social media accounts, along with his wrestling merchandise shop, shared the same photograph that day, celebrating all fathers while simultaneously promoting a Father’s Day t-shirt sale. This dual purpose—honoring fatherhood while maintaining business operations—exemplified Hulk’s ability to balance personal relationships with professional responsibilities throughout his career.

Following Hulk Hogan’s death, the Father’s Day post became a gathering place for condolences and tributes. Fans and friends flooded the comments section with heartfelt messages, transforming what had been a celebration of fatherhood into a digital memorial honoring the wrestling icon’s legacy as both performer and parent.

Wedding Memories Shared in Grief

While Nick himself has not yet publicly commented on his father’s passing, his wife, Tana Lea, has honored Hulk’s memory by sharing precious wedding photographs from their recent nuptials. Posted to her Instagram stories on the day of Hulk’s death, these images provide intimate glimpses into the family’s joy during happier times.

The wedding photographs capture genuine moments of familial happiness and celebration. In one image, Hulk stands behind his son with arms raised and mouth open in pure joy, embodying the enthusiastic support he provided throughout Nick’s life. Another photograph shows the wrestling legend with a protective hand on Nick’s shoulder, both men beaming with happiness that reflects their strong father-son relationship.

These wedding images serve as powerful testimony to the bond between father and son during one of life’s most significant celebrations. The visible happiness and pride on Hulk’s face demonstrate his deep love for Nick and his genuine enthusiasm for his son’s milestone moments.

A Relationship Built on Mutual Respect

The strength of the Hogan father-son relationship has been confirmed by those close to the family. A source speaking to Us Weekly emphasized the genuine closeness between the two men: “Hulk and his son, Nick, were very close. Nick got married recently and lives down in Florida near his father. They got on great—it was a solid father-son relationship.”

This geographical proximity allowed father and son to maintain regular contact and shared experiences throughout Hulk’s later years. Unlike many celebrity families who become scattered by career demands, the Hogans prioritized staying connected, with Nick choosing to establish his adult life near his father’s Florida residence.

The source’s characterization of their relationship as “solid” speaks to the foundation of trust, respect, and genuine affection that sustained their bond through various life changes and challenges. This stability becomes even more meaningful in light of Hulk’s sudden passing, ensuring that their final years together were marked by closeness and mutual support.

Wrestling Community Mourns a Legend

The wrestling community’s response to Hulk Hogan’s death has been overwhelmingly emotional, with fellow legends sharing deeply personal tributes that reveal the man behind the larger-than-life character. Ric Flair’s tearful interview with TMZ provided particularly moving insights into Hulk’s character and the genuine friendships he cultivated throughout his career.

“I just talked to Jimmy Hart yesterday,” Ric revealed, referring to Hulk’s longtime manager, adding that Hart had assured him Hulk “was fine.” This revelation underscores the sudden and unexpected nature of Hulk’s passing, which caught even his closest friends and associates off guard.

Ric’s emotional breakdown during the interview revealed the depth of friendship that existed between the two wrestling icons. “We were actually very, very close friends,” he explained through tears. “We kept up with each other on a regular basis.” His raw emotion—sobbing as he declared, “To have this happen is just horrible”—demonstrated the genuine grief felt by those who knew Hulk personally.

The wrestling legend recalled the professional chemistry that made their in-ring performances memorable: “We had magic.” However, his tribute extended far beyond their professional relationship to highlight Hulk’s character as a friend and human being.

Beyond the Ring: A True Friend

Ric Flair’s tribute revealed numerous instances of Hulk’s generosity and loyalty that extended well beyond their professional wrestling careers. He described collaborative appearances at signings and Hard Rock venues, as well as casual social gatherings at Hulk’s bar for karaoke nights—moments that showcased the genuine friendship that developed between the two men.

Perhaps most tellingly, Ric shared personal anecdotes that illuminated Hulk’s character. He recalled a time when Hulk lent him money and subsequently refused repayment, demonstrating generosity that went beyond mere professional courtesy. Even more significantly, when Ric faced a life-threatening health crisis several years ago, Hulk was among the first to visit him in the hospital.

“How do you forget things like that?” Ric asked, his voice breaking with emotion. These acts of kindness and loyalty reveal the man behind the wrestling persona—someone who prioritized relationships and demonstrated genuine care for friends during their most vulnerable moments.

Fan Response and Industry Impact

The wrestling community’s response to Ric Flair’s emotional tribute has been overwhelmingly supportive, with fans recognizing the authenticity of his grief and the significance of the friendship he described. Social media reactions have emphasized the genuine nature of the bonds formed within the professional wrestling industry.

“Ric is hurting for real and it’s really sad to see. That’s brotherly love,” one fan observed, acknowledging the genuine emotion displayed during the interview. Another commented, “Ric Flair just shows how much friendship behind the scenes and beyond the wrestling industry really matters.”

Many fans emphasized the enduring legacy of both men despite various controversies throughout their careers: “True Friends. Over the recent years they have tried to rip Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair down so much. These people are above that and will always be immortal.”

Others focused on the professional excellence both men brought to wrestling: “You can feel Ric’s pain even though they were rivals in the fight! Two great professionals and genuine who made the world wrestling great.”

A Legacy of Love and Excellence

As tributes continue to emerge following Hulk Hogan’s passing, the recurring themes emphasize both his professional excellence and his personal character. Nick’s Father’s Day tribute, Tana’s wedding photographs, and Ric Flair’s emotional remembrances all paint a picture of a man who balanced larger-than-life professional achievements with genuine personal relationships.

The Father’s Day post that seemed routine at the time has become a treasured final public exchange between father and son. Nick’s simple words calling his father the “goat” and expressing love for “awesome dads” now serve as a permanent testament to their relationship and Hulk’s success as both wrestling legend and devoted father.

For Nick Hogan, the photographs and memories shared in recent weeks provide comfort during an unimaginably difficult time. The visible love and pride displayed in family photos, combined with the strong relationship confirmed by those close to the family, ensure that Hulk Hogan’s legacy extends far beyond his professional wrestling achievements.

As the wrestling world and fans worldwide continue to mourn the loss of this iconic figure, Nick’s touching Father’s Day message stands as a beautiful reminder that behind every legend is a loving family member who saw not just the public persona, but the devoted father who raised him with love, support, and unwavering pride.