Sylvester Stallone Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Hulk Hogan on His 72nd Birthday

Even in the brash, larger-than-life world of professional wrestling, few personalities have loomed as large—or inspired as deeply—as Hulk Hogan. Born Terry Gene Bollea in 1953, Hogan became an enduring symbol of charisma, grit, and American pop culture resilience. His death from a heart attack on July 24, 2025, just weeks shy of his 72nd birthday, left a void not just in the wrestling world, but in the hearts of those who knew him best. Among them is longtime friend Sylvester Stallone, who marked Hogan’s birthday with a moving tribute that underscored the wrestler’s enduring nobility.

“I miss him a lot,” Stallone shared, calling Hogan not only “the greatest wrestler of all time” but also a “great, great friend.” Their bond dated back to 1982, when Hogan’s unforgettable turn as Thunderlips in Rocky III brought raw authenticity to the film and injected a jolt of star power that helped propel it to box-office glory. Stallone has long credited Hogan with “changing my life forever,” and their friendship endured across decades—through the highs of superstardom, the lows of personal hardship, and the complex terrain of public life.

A Friendship Forged in Loyalty

For Stallone, Hogan’s most defining quality was his unwavering loyalty. In an entertainment industry often marked by fleeting alliances, Hogan’s friendships ran deep. He stood by those he cared about, even when facing personal and professional turbulence himself. During the 2015 racism scandal that temporarily cost him his WWE role, Hogan expressed public remorse and committed to making amends—a trait Stallone admired. That kind of redemption arc, grounded in accountability, cemented Hogan as a man whose heart matched his physical presence in scale.

A Trailblazer Who Inspired Generations

Hogan’s rise from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of wrestling’s golden era transformed the sport from a niche spectacle into a cultural juggernaut. “Hulkamania” wasn’t just a catchphrase—it was a movement. With his trademark handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow gear, and booming exhortations to “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins,” Hogan became a role model for millions of fans worldwide. He headlined multiple WrestleManias, broke attendance records, and helped legitimize wrestling as a global entertainment force.

Stallone’s praise—calling Hogan the “greatest wrestler of all time”—is more than nostalgia. It’s an acknowledgment of Hogan’s ability to inspire not just athletes like John Cena but also actors, entertainers, and anyone chasing a dream against long odds. Even after injuries, surgeries, and public controversies, Hogan repeatedly returned with messages of positivity and perseverance.

Generosity and Humility Beyond the Spotlight

Offstage, Hogan cultivated a quieter legacy of giving. He lent his fame to children’s hospitals, anti-bullying initiatives, and disaster relief causes. Friends and family often spoke of personal acts of kindness, many of which went unpublicized. Despite his fortune and fame, Hogan remained grounded, maintaining close ties with his children, Brooke and Nick, and navigating family challenges with love and forgiveness.

Stallone’s heartfelt admission that he misses Hogan “a lot” speaks to the authenticity of the man behind the persona. The Hulkster wasn’t just a spectacle in the ring—he was a friend, a mentor, and a constant source of encouragement. His humility, even after decades in the spotlight, allowed him to connect with people on a human level.

Hulk Hogan may be gone, but the values he championed—loyalty, perseverance, generosity—remain alive in those who knew him and those he inspired. As Stallone’s tribute makes clear, Hogan’s legacy isn’t just measured in championship belts or sold-out arenas. It lives on in the countless lives he touched, the friendships he nurtured, and the enduring belief that even the mightiest heroes can lead with heart.