Netflix’s newly released Hulk Hogan documentary pulls back the curtain on how Paul “Triple H” Levesque addressed the passing of one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.

In the final episode of the four part series, footage shows Levesque speaking to WWE staff backstage the day after Hogan’s death. While he alluded to the controversy that surrounded Hulk Hogan, he made it clear the company would still recognize his impact, confirming a 10 bell salute would open that night’s SmackDown. He also reassured talent that participation would be optional.

“All right, guys, welcome to Cleveland. Just before we get started, as I’m sure everyone is aware, unfortunate passing of Hulk Hogan yesterday,” Levesque said. “Hard to say there’s been a more influential figure, especially on the performing side. No one is perfect in life, and they had ups and downs, but we’re going to continue to remember Hulk Hogan as what he meant to this industry.

“His influence cannot be denied and it cannot be overstated. You could make an argument that we probably wouldn’t be sitting here today. This business might have gone the way of roller derby or some other sh*t that didn’t quite make it to the end. But here we are. So we’re going to start this show out tonight with a 10-bell salute with everybody on stage. I don’t think it needs to be said, but anybody that has an issue, does not want to be on that stage no problem, no issue, no anything.”

Following his passing in July 2025, WWE continued to honor Hogan in multiple ways. During WrestleMania weekend, a statue was unveiled at WWE World, and his legendary clash with Andre the Giant from WrestleMania III was inducted into the Hall of Fame as the Immortal Moment Award winner.

The docuseries, titled Hulk Hogan: Real American, also features comments from Cody Rhodes, recorded during the July 25, 2025 episode of SmackDown.

“I know it’s complicated,” Rhodes said about Hogan’s death. “I do, how everyone feels. But I think we all have to kind of wrestle with the idea that he’s gone. And there’s so many great things about ‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan. Can we focus on those?”

Hogan’s final WWE appearance came during the Raw Netflix premiere in January 2025, where the reaction from the crowd was overwhelmingly negative. Levesque admitted he expected that response.

“Did I think he was going to be booed out of the building? Probably. Especially in LA. Right? Like, there’s just a different vibe there and a different mentality there,” he said. “He’s made a lot of mistakes. For some people, he hasn’t necessarily always atoned for those mistakes. Or even the apologies were seen as hollow.”

The documentary closes with a moment from Hogan’s funeral, where Vince McMahon is seen addressing those in attendance and asking for one final cheer in Hogan’s honor.

Bad News Brown’s legacy was honored on one of WWE’s biggest stages, but for his family, the moment came with a quiet understanding of how it would unfold.

Following his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Legacy Wing, Helen Coage shared her thoughts publicly, addressing why the family did not speak during the ceremony and what the recognition truly meant to them.

Brown was inducted alongside Sid Eudy as part of this year’s Legacy Wing class. As with other Legacy inductees, no speech was delivered on stage, though his family was acknowledged in the crowd.

Taking to social media, Coage made it clear there were no surprises regarding the format and urged fans to focus on the honor itself.

“I know many of you are unhappy about our family not being granted the opportunity to speak at the WWE induction of Bad New into the Legacy Hall of Fame. But from past inductees we all knew that was not going to happen, please don’t be bitter, please just be happy that he was given this honor. I am happy.”

She then shared what she would have said if given the chance to address the audience, offering a heartfelt tribute to her late husband.

“Good evening,

On behalf of our family, I want to thank WWE for this incredible honor. To see my husband inducted into the Legacy Hall of Fame is something we will cherish forever.

I also want to take a moment to thank Benjamin Brown and Holly Von Holtz for taking such good care of us through all of this. Your kindness and support have meant more than you know, and we are truly grateful.

To the fans, he loved you more than you may have realized. Now, he may have called you “beer-bellied sharecroppers” and “spineless cockroaches”… but that was the character. That was the show. Because outside that ring, he was the exact opposite, a devoted husband, a proud father, and a man with a big heart.

He gave everything he had to entertain, to connect, and to leave an impression that people would never forget.

His gimmick has been copied more than a few times by those who came after him… and in this business, that’s one of the highest forms of respect. It means what he created mattered. It meant something. And it lasted.

He truly left his mark, helping shape an era and even giving Hulk Hogan the name “Hollywood Hogan,” a name that became legendary in its own right.

Though he’s been gone for many years, his voice still echoes. In every cheer, every memory, every moment like this, he’s still here. And tonight, I know he would be so proud… not just of this honor, but of the family, the fans, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Thank you for remembering him. Thank you for honoring him. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you for never letting him be forgotten.”

Additional context on the Legacy Wing was recently discussed by Dave Meltzer, who noted a shift in how WWE is using the category. Rather than focusing strictly on pre-1984 performers, the Legacy Wing now appears to serve as a way to recognize talents who have passed away while also keeping the ceremony length manageable.

“It appears this year it has changed as the legacy wing is honoring Vicious and Bad News, who were post-1984 WWF and would normally be in the regular version. It appears in this case it’s a way to honor those no longer alive and save time on a ceremony that starts at midnight Eastern time and has been criticized for going too long at times, as well as for inductions of some being terribly rushed at other times.”