On July 24, 2025, the world lost a titan of professional wrestling, a cultural icon whose larger-than-life presence transcended the ring. Terry Gene Bollea, known to millions as Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71 due to a sudden cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and beyond, as fans, friends, and family mourned the loss of a man who defined an era with his charisma, showmanship, and unrelenting passion. Yet, amidst the outpouring of tributes and memories, it was a poignant, silent moment that captured the hearts of many: the image of Hogan’s beloved dog, Duke, sitting quietly beside his portrait, a loyal companion grieving in a way that spoke louder than words.
The Legacy of Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was more than a wrestler; he was a phenomenon. Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan rose from humble beginnings to become the face of professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s. With his signature red and yellow attire, bleached-blond horseshoe mustache, and “24-inch pythons” (his iconic biceps), Hogan transformed wrestling from a niche spectacle into a global entertainment juggernaut. His persona, dubbed “Hulkamania,” became a cultural touchstone, inspiring generations of fans to “train, say their prayers, and eat their vitamins.”
Hogan’s career was marked by unforgettable moments. From body-slamming the 520-pound André the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987 before a record crowd of 93,173 to his dramatic heel turn in 1996 as “Hollywood Hulk Hogan” with the New World Order (NWO), he redefined what it meant to be a superstar. He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, won six WWE World Championships, and starred in films like Rocky III and No Holds Barred. Beyond the ring, Hogan’s reality show Hogan Knows Best and his larger-than-life personality made him a household name, even as controversies, including a 2015 scandal involving racist remarks, tested his legacy.
Despite these challenges, Hogan’s impact on wrestling and pop culture remained undeniable. Tributes from peers like Ric Flair, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Vince McMahon poured in, with McMahon calling him “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME.” His final months were filled with new ventures, including the launch of Real American Freestyle, a wrestling promotion, and public appearances supporting political causes close to his heart. Yet, it was his personal life—particularly his bond with his dog Duke—that resonated most deeply in the wake of his passing.
A Loyal Companion’s Silent Farewell
At Hogan’s memorial, surrounded by white wreaths and the soft glow of candlelight, a heart-wrenching scene unfolded. Duke, the Chihuahua who had been Hogan’s faithful companion, was brought by the family to sit beside a portrait of the wrestling legend. The dog, once full of energy and often featured in Hogan’s social media posts, sat silently, his sorrowful eyes fixed on the image of his owner. According to posts on X, Duke barked just once—a single, mournful sound—before falling quiet, as if understanding the weight of the moment. The image of this small dog, dwarfed by the larger-than-life legacy of his owner, brought tears to the eyes of those present and millions who saw12saw the moment online.
Hogan’s love for Duke was no secret. In 2021, when Duke passed away, Hogan shared his grief on social media, writing, “I am so sad, my loyal friend Duke just passed, I love you Duke, dad.” The post, accompanied by photos of the beloved pet, showcased the deep bond they shared. Fans and fellow wrestlers, including Mick Foley, rallied around Hogan, offering condolences for the loss of Duke, a dog who had brought joy to the Hogan household. Now, years later, Duke’s presence at Hogan’s memorial served as a poignant reminder of their connection—a companionship that transcended fame and fortune.
The Man Behind the Myth
Hogan’s life was a tapestry of triumphs and trials. His physical toll from decades in the ring was immense, with over 25 surgeries, including 10 back procedures, knee and hip replacements, and a recent cervical spine fusion in early 2025. Despite these challenges, Hogan remained a vibrant figure, sharing glimpses of his life with fans through social media and public appearances. His resilience was matched by his charisma, whether he was ripping off his shirt at the 2024 Republican National Convention to reveal a Trump-Vance shirt or flexing his biceps in a mirror selfie at nearly 68 years old, proclaiming, “Arm workouts are starting to get crazy again brother HH.”
Yet, Hogan’s later years were not without controversy. His outspoken political views and past scandals, including the Gawker lawsuit that bankrupted the media company, polarized fans. Some, like The Undertaker, noted the “hellish reception” Hogan received at his final WWE appearance in January 2025, reflecting a complex legacy. Still, for many, Hogan remained the embodiment of wrestling’s golden age, a hero who inspired countless imitators and shaped the industry’s global reach.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
The image of Duke by Hogan’s portrait encapsulates the duality of his life: a towering figure whose strength and bravado captivated the world, yet a man whose heart was touched by the simple loyalty of a dog. As tributes continue to pour in—from Sylvester Stallone calling him a “magician” in fight scenes to Donald Trump praising his “biggest heart”—Hogan’s legacy is one of contradictions. He was both a trailblazer and a flawed human, a global icon and a devoted pet owner.
Duke’s silent vigil by Hogan’s portrait reminds us that even legends leave behind moments of quiet humanity. As the wrestling world and fans worldwide mourn, they take solace in the memories of Hulkamania—the roar of the crowd, the rip of the shirt, and the indomitable spirit of a man who, like his beloved dog, was fiercely loyal to those he loved. Hulk Hogan may be gone, but as his family’s statement said, “He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
