WWE’s tribute to Hulk Hogan following his passing in July 2025 was presented as a unified moment on television. However, new behind-the-scenes details reveal that talent received a more flexible approach before the ten-bell salute.
The insight comes from footage featured in the Netflix docuseries Hulk Hogan: Real American. This shows how WWE leadership handled a sensitive situation just one day after Hogan’s death.
Triple H allowed talent to opt out of Hulk Hogan’s ten-bell salute
Ahead of the July 25, 2025, episode of SmackDown, Triple H addressed the roster and production team. He outlined plans to honor Hogan while acknowledging that not everyone may feel the same way about participating.
“Unfortunate passing of Hulk Hogan, yesterday. Hard to say that there is a more influential figure, especially on the performing side,” he said. “No one is perfect in life… but we’re going to continue to remember Hulk Hogan as what he meant to this industry.”
Triple H stressed Hogan’s historical impact. He noted that his influence “cannot be denied and cannot be overstated.” HHH even suggests the business might not have reached its current level without him.
However, the key message came when discussing the tribute itself.
“We’re going to start this show off tonight with a ten-bell salute with everybody on stage. I don’t think it needs to be said, but anybody that has an issue and does not want to be on stage, no problem, no issue, no anything.”
That approach allowed talent to make their own call. This emerges as a rare bit of creative freedom in a tightly produced segment. Reports suggest that while most of the roster appeared, some names chose not to participate for personal or character-related reasons.
Some notable absences included:
Roman Reigns (Creative decision — participation didn’t align with his “Tribal Chief” character)
Becky Lynch (Chose not to participate despite being backstage)
The New Day (Reported personal issues stemming from Hogan’s past controversies)
Paul Heyman (Reported personal issues related to Hogan’s past controversies)
Rhea Ripley (Reported personal issues related to Hogan’s past controversies)
WWE continued honoring Hogan throughout the following week, opening shows with ten-bell salutes and later celebrating his legacy during WrestleMania 42 weekend with a dedicated exhibit.
The moment showed that even in a business built on unified presentation, WWE can sometimes call an audible — allowing individual choice to share the spotlight with tradition.
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