The wrestling world continues to process the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan, who passed away in July at the age of 71. The WWE Hall of Famer’s funeral was a private, invitation-only event attended by a who’s who of professional wrestling, including legends, current stars, and industry executives. Among those in attendance was AEW’s Jeff Jarrett, who recently opened up about his experience at the service, particularly focusing on Vince McMahon’s emotional eulogy for the late Hulkster.
A Star-Studded, Secure Memorial
Hogan’s funeral, held at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida, was marked by an unprecedented level of security and exclusivity. According to Conrad Thompson, who attended the service and shared his experience on the “Grilling JR” podcast, dozens of police officers were present, and every attendee had to be checked off a list before entering the church. “It was just a crazy, surreal deal,” Thompson said, describing the scene as something out of a movie.
The guest list read like a wrestling hall of fame: Ric Flair, Kevin Nash, Triple H, Ted DiBiase, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Jimmy Hart, and Dennis Rodman were among those in attendance. The atmosphere was both somber and celebratory, as friends and colleagues gathered to honor Hogan’s legacy.
McMahon’s Eulogy: A Standing Ovation for the Hulkster
Vince McMahon, the former WWE Chairman and a longtime associate of Hogan, delivered a eulogy that left a lasting impression on those present. McMahon, known for his larger-than-life persona, called on the crowd to give Hogan one final standing ovation—a moment that many described as both powerful and poignant.
According to a WWE insider, McMahon’s speech was “more than just a tribute; it was a performance.” The insider added, “Vince has always had a way of commanding a room, and even in a moment of grief, he managed to bring everyone together in a way that felt fitting for Hulk Hogan’s larger-than-life legacy.”
McMahon spoke about Hogan’s relentless drive and his impact on the industry, emphasizing that Hogan “didn’t let his foot off the gas” when it came to his career and his influence on wrestling. The eulogy was described as heartfelt, with McMahon sharing personal anecdotes and reflecting on Hogan’s contributions to WWE and the sport as a whole.
Jeff Jarrett’s Mixed Emotions
Jeff Jarrett, who has known Hogan for decades, shared his thoughts on McMahon’s eulogy and the overall experience of attending the funeral. On his “My World” podcast, Jarrett admitted to having “mixed emotions” about the event. “It was a very private gathering, and everything that went with it,” Jarrett said. “But at the same time, it was hard not to feel the weight of the moment, knowing how much Hulk meant to so many people.”
Jarrett was particularly moved by the pastor’s sermon, which focused on Hogan’s personal journey and his testimony over the last few years of his life. “The pastor’s ability to weave in and out of Hulk’s testimony, and how Hulk was viewing the world, and what he was doing, and all that… That is something that I wish the whole world could’ve heard,” Jarrett said. “It wasn’t done for clicks or for promotion. It was pouring his heart out for the man he knew, and that was very, very special.”
Jarrett leaned over to his wife, Karen, during the sermon and said, “My god, I’m so glad I’m here to hear that.” The moment, he said, was a reminder of the human side of Hogan, beyond the larger-than-life persona that fans knew.
The Impact of Hogan’s Legacy
Hogan’s passing has sparked a wave of tributes from across the wrestling world, with many reflecting on his impact on the industry. McMahon’s eulogy, in particular, highlighted Hogan’s role in shaping WWE into the global phenomenon it is today. “Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestler; he was a cultural icon,” the WWE insider said. “Vince’s speech captured that perfectly, reminding everyone of the legacy Hogan leaves behind.”
Jarrett echoed those sentiments, noting that Hogan’s influence extended far beyond the ring. “Hulk was a pioneer, a trailblazer, and a friend to so many of us,” Jarrett said. “His legacy will live on, not just in the records he set, but in the lives he touched.”
A Moment of Reflection for the Wrestling Community
As the wrestling community continues to mourn the loss of Hulk Hogan, events like his funeral serve as a reminder of the deep connections that exist within the industry. McMahon’s eulogy, Jarrett’s reflections, and the outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike underscore the profound impact Hogan had on professional wrestling.
According to sources close to the Hogan family, the private nature of the service was intentional, allowing those closest to Hogan to grieve in peace. “It was important to the family that the service was intimate and focused on Hulk’s personal journey,” a family friend revealed. “They wanted to honor him in a way that felt true to who he was.”
As the wrestling world moves forward, the memories of Hulk Hogan—and the moments shared at his funeral—will remain a testament to his enduring legacy.