Hulk Hogan's son joins WWE wrestlers in emotional tribute to his father
An emotional Nick was joined by his wife, Tana Lea, and a number of WWE superstars at the beginning of WWE's flagship show Raw to commemorate Hogan. The episode was broadcast from Detroit and streamed on Netflix.
Nick could be seen wiping tears away from his face during the heartfelt moment. Other notable faces present during the tribute included top WWE stars such as CM Punk, Gunther, Jey Uso, Iyo Sky and Dominik Mysterio.
Eric Bischoff, who worked for WWE between 2002 and 2007 and was a close friend and business associate of Hogan's, also appeared during the salute to the 71-year-old.
Addressing the crowd, WWE's chief content officer, Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, said: 'He [Hogan] captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe. 'We would not be standing here right now – all of us together – if it was not for him.''
This was the second time that WWE had honoured Hogan's legacy on TV since his death on 24 July. Friday's episode of SmackDown also featured a 10-bell salute to the former world champion, as well as a video package that Levesque narrated.
Nick Hogan previously wrote a heartfelt tribute to his father on Saturday (26 July). 'This has been overwhelming and extremely difficult,' he wrote on his Instagram, alongside a carousel of images of him and his father throughout the years. The first image featured the pair in matching red and yellow shirts when Nick was a young boy.
'Hearing so many kind words and stories about my dad's life, interactions and experiences with everyone has been incredible and comforting,' he added.
Remembering Hogan as the 'most incredible person I've ever known' and his 'forever hero,' he called him the 'most kind, loving and amazing father anybody could ask for.'
'I feel so blessed to have had the greatest dad in the world,' Nick wrote. 'He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend. He always has been my best friend and I love him and miss him more than I could ever explain.'
Hogan skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s, bringing professional wrestling into the mainstream. He went on to become an eight-time WrestleMania headliner and six-time World Wrestling Entertainment champion, in addition to an actor and reality television personality.
He was also embroiled in controversy throughout his career. A sex tape scandal and racist remarks clouded his reputation and left him asking fans for forgiveness.
The former wrestler also became a fixture during President Donald Trump's 2024 re-election campaign, appearing at the Republican National Convention to appeal to voters.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
33 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
How Ruben Dias used secret weapon to win over Maya Jama as pals claim couple are plotting major next move
HER enviable charisma and curves make Maya Jama everyone's type on paper, so winning her affection was arguably tougher than landing the treble for her Manchester City boyfriend, Ruben Dias. But eight months on since they quietly started dating, we can reveal the secret weapon Ruben used to score a future with the Love Island host - and pal's claims that they're planning to take a major step in their relationship. Advertisement 10 Maya Jama turned 30 and is ready for the real deal when it comes to love Credit: Getty 10 Portuguese footballer Ruben Dias has won Maya's heart Credit: Instagram 10 The stunning Love Island host is plotting her next steps with beau Ruben Credit: Instagram Having met months after a failed last-ditch effort with her rapper ex Stormzy, the 30-year-old wasn't looking for love when Ruben asked for her number at the MTV Europe Music Awards in his football team's hometown. It had been Maya and Stormzy's second go at a relationship. They first split after five years together in 2020 not long before Maya got engaged to NBA player Ben Simmons following a whirlwind romance. Advertisement While both relationships weren't meant to be forever, the experiences helped clarify what the presenter wanted - and didn't want - from her next partner. In the weeks before dating footballer Ruben, Maya said: 'The next person I meet I want to marry and have kids with, so obviously I'm feeling fussy.' Our sources say her surprise connection with 28-year-old Ruben caught Maya by surprise - and his commitment early on in dating secured their fate. Pals claim they're now putting plans in place to move in together as their relationship goes from strength to strength. A source told The Sun: 'Maya is incredibly headstrong and confident. After everything she's been through, she knows her worth and won't settle for anything less. Advertisement 'Her relationship with Ruben is totally different to when she was with Stormzy . She's described how they were babies when they met and his career was more established than Maya's. 'This time, she's come into the relationship on a level playing field as two hugely successful individuals. 'They've both reached their career goals and the world is their oyster, so they're now at a stage where they can focus more on their love lives. Maya Jama kisses footballer boyfriend on romantic holiday and shows off her stunning bikini body 'It's important to Maya that she can trust the person she's with and they are certain about what they want in their future. "She knows who she is now and is looking for someone on equal pegging to enjoy life with." Advertisement Our insider added: 'Ruben made sure from the start that his intentions with Maya were clear. 'He knows he's struck gold and wants to make sure Maya knows how seriously he feels about her. 10 Maya with her former fiancé Ben Simmons Credit: Getty 10 Maya with her ex-rapper boyfriend Stormzy, pictured in 2017 Credit: Getty 10 They dated between 2017 and 2024 Credit: Instagram Advertisement 10 She's been enjoying extended holidays with Ruben this summer as she balances her Love Island work Credit: Instagram "Being honest and open about what he wants from their future was the secret weapon in securing a future with Maya. "Maya's work, home and friends are in London so she doesn't want to leave there entirely, but is considering going between there and Manchester." Ruben was previously linked to Love Island All Stars' Just like his relationships with pop singer April Ivy and actress Daniela Melchior, both from Portugal , their lifestyle differences drove them apart. Advertisement While the women were happy with the spotlight, Ruben has always preferred a private life. After swapping numbers with Bristol-born Maya, he soon made clear he was looking for something serious away from the cameras. 'This was a real turning point for Maya.' our source added. 'She was impressed that he wasn't looking to gain from their popularity as a couple. He made her feel it was a genuine connection from the off. 'Even though they know their romance is bound to attract attention, they keep the details of their relationship strictly confidential, but he's been keen to post pictures of them together to let everyone know he's taken. Advertisement 'He's obviously attracted to successful and powerful women. He loves how Maya lights up every room she's in and shines as an individual, but it was also important to him that they are a strong team together. "That was very attractive to Maya." 10 Maya has hosted Love Island since 2023 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Ruben's desire in a partner matches that of Maya who had a lightbulb moment following the end of her engagement to Australian basketballer Ben and the break-up of her five-year relationship with Stormzy the first time around. 'I refuse to dim myself down," she said at the time. Advertisement It's a life lesson she has lived by, revealing: 'I'm such a lover, but I am a big leaver as well. 'I know what makes me happy and I know what I like — and this is no disrespect to anyone I've been in a relationship with, but if it's not that then I will leave it. 'My point I always try to make is that I am really, really happy and I have curated this lovely little life for myself and my friends. 'I only want you if you are going to add to that or make it better, otherwise I am not really on it.' 10 The presenter's career has soared since finding fame as Stormzy's girlfriend Credit: Alamy Advertisement 10 Maya is adored by millions as host of Love Island UK Credit: Instagram Maya's presenting career soared in 2023 when she landed the hosting job on Love Island, after years of being known as Stormzy's girlfriend. In the same year, Ruben made history with his FA Cup , and Champions League within a week of each other. The rare feat was a career highlight for the Portuguese national player, who returned to training at City Football Academy this week after spending the summer with Maya. The smitten pair travelled to Italy's Amalfi Coast in a private jet where they sailed on a luxury yacht as they soaked up the sun. Advertisement It was during this extended break when Maya and Ruben made their relationship official to fans by posting pictures of them together on social media for the first time. In her most recent Instagram post, Maya shared snaps from her holidays with Ruben and filming the latest series of Love Island, captioning it: "Work & play balancing." They've come a long way in the last few months, with Maya having reportedly met Dias's family. She's even started taking Portuguese lessons to impress her other half. A friend said: "It's the happiest we've ever seen Maya. Her career and relationship are both going from strength to strength and she deserves it all." Advertisement
The Irish Sun
33 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Three clues Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty had secretly split as they announce marriage is over after 13 years together
CAT Deeley and Patrick Kielty shocked fans today by confirming they had split after 13 years of marriage. The couple, who first met as co-hosts on BBC's Fame Academy back in 2002, Advertisement 8 Patrick and Cat have called time on their marriage after 13 years together Credit: Getty 8 Cat and Patrick married in 2012 after a year of dating Credit: Splash The pair waited 10 years before turning their relationship romantic, beginning to date in 2011 before getting married in 2012. But today they wrote: "We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved. "We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected. "There will be no further comment." Advertisement READ MORE CAT DEELEY While it might come as a surprise to many who considered the couple rock solid, some clues about their marriage woes have now become more obvious. Cat Misses Patrick's Mum's Funeral 8 Patrick said goodbye to mum Mary with Cat missing from the funeral Credit: Getty One of the key signs that something was off between the two was when Cat opted to miss Patrick's mum's funeral earlier this year. Mary Kielty died in March, with Dundrum, Ireland. Advertisement A death notice described Mrs Kielty as a "loving mother" and "devoted grandmother" and added that she "will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her entire family circle, neighbours and friends". Most read in Showbiz Breaking Cat opted not to attend, with a statement at the time declaring: " Cat remained at home to be there for her before and after school on this very sad day." The presenter continued to appear on This Morning as usual in between school drop-off and pick-up. Social Media Absence 8 Cat has barely mentioned Patrick on her social media – even on Father's Day Credit: Getty Advertisement Neither Patrick nor Cat have made much mention to each other for over a year on their social media – despite being regular users. Patrick, who uses Instagram less frequently than Cat, hasn't posted about her since she first got her job on This Morning back in June 2024. At the time, the post was gushing, saying she was "made for a show" like This Morning thanks to her bright demeanour, being an early bird, and love of a good natter. Alongside a montage of his wife, I didn't know what a morning person actually was until I met this woman. Advertisement " She gets up every day with a smile on her face. A 5.30am, whistling in the shower, smile on her face. " Then downs two coffees, and gives you the look. The 'what the f*€K's wrong with you, let's do this' look. " It's not a pretend smile. And it's not just some mornings. It's every morning. Which is bloody difficult cos she's married to me." But fast forward a year and he has not posted about her since, with Cat not mentioning him either – not even on Father's Day six weeks ago, instead opting to just post a photo on her grid of her with her own dad as a child. Advertisement Leading Separate Lives 8 Cat has seen tremendous success in the US and the UK, while Patrick's work is largely in Ireland Credit: Getty 8 Cat has been based in the UK working on This Morning Credit: Instagram @dermotoleary Cat and Patrick have both found success as TV presenters, but their roles have often meant that they are sent to opposite sides of the world. When they first got together in 2011, Patrick quickly moved into Cat's home in Los Angeles in order to accommodate her career move over there. Advertisement But since then, Patrick's work has largely remained in his native Ireland, particularly since 2023 when he was announced to be the new permanent host of country favourite talk show, RTÉ's The Late Late Show. He also hosts a Saturday morning show for BBC Radio 5 Live. Meanwhile Cat has had success in both the UK ad the US, hosting long-running reality competition So You Think You Can Dance? since 2006 in Los Angeles, as well as her role on This Morning. As a result, Cat would split her time between each side of the Atlantic, and is now largely based in England due to her work commitments. Advertisement The family home is in the UK, with her noting that the pair's two sons go to school here. However, after so many years with both batting around the globe, it would undoubtedly put pressure on their relationship. 8 The couple said they were dedicated to raising their two sons together Credit: Getty 8 Cat and Patrick were friends for 10 years before getting together Credit: Getty Advertisement
Irish Daily Mirror
33 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Separate lives: Tell-tale signs Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley drifted apart
Comedian Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley have announced their shock split after 13 years of marriage. However, the duo were seemingly living separate lives in the build-up to the surprise announcement. The TV duo revealed today (Tuesday, July 29) that they are no longer a couple in a bombshell statement. But prior to the announcement the pair hadn't been pictured together in public in over a year. The last snap of the couple side by side was taken in 2023. They appeared happy in the image as they attended the Ballywalter London premiere at The May Fair Hotel on September 18, 2023. At the time, she shared a post on her social media with the duo smiling as they got ready for the occasion and then sat in the crowd. Patrick was later welcomed on stage. Cat wrote on her Instagram: "Magical evening last night at the London Premiere of @BallywalterFilm!. Celebrating the talents of @PatricKielty & @SeanaKerslake, director @PrasannaBanana, and the brilliant cast & crew! (+ @EdiBow… the hostess with the mostest!) #BallywalterFilm is in cinemas very soon on 9/22 !!" A month later and Patrick made his final appearance on the This Morning star's Instagram page. And fast forward almost two years and the couple is no more after seemingly fading out of Cat's social media presence. It also comes after Cat didn't send Patrick a fathers day message last month. The exes share two kids together. Prior to their announcement, the couple had moved their family from Los Angeles to London in 2023. It came after living in the States for 15 years. Now, in a joint statement released to the PA news agency, they said: 'We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved. 'We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected. There will be no further comment." While Cat became the face of ITV's morning show, Patrick hosted RTE's The Late Late Show. She had previously opened up on the challenges they faced when it came to balancing motherhood and presenting the show. She acknowledged the "juggle" was "real". In March this year, Cat missed the funeral of Patrick's mum's funeral in Northern Ireland. Heartbreaking pictures showed a grief-stricken Patrick carrying her coffin through the streets. Hundreds had turned out to line the streets as those closest to Mary and her family joined together for a ceremony at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Dundrum. At the time, a spokesperson told the Mirror that Cat had remained at home to care for their young sons Milo and James. They said: "Cat remained at home to be there for her two young children before and after school on this very sad day." The couple met during their time hosting Fame Academy together in 2002. Their first public appearance as a couple came nine years later in 2011. They tied the knot a year later in September 2012 at a ceremony in Rome. During a 2020 appearance on Ireland's The Late Late Show, then hosted by Ryan Tubridy, Cat shared how her husband had initially wooed her: "We had been friends for a very, very long time. Since we did [TV show] Fame Academy and all that," she said. "We would always call each other on birthdays or Christmas, or we'd see each other occasionally or whatever it was. Anyway, there was a night where it was the day before my birthday. I can't even remember what birthday it was now! It was 30-something. Anyway, he called me and he spoke to me on the phone." The mum-of-two went on to say: "He said, 'Oh, what are you doing for your birthday? I'm just ringing to say happy birthday.' I said, 'Oh, we're going to the Beverly Hills Hotel. We're just going to have a late brunch; it's going to be very civilised. It's a shame you're not here, otherwise you could come'. And he was like, 'Well, eh I'll be there'.""Now, bear in mind at this point, Ryan, he was at the Maghera Inn down the end of the road, and in Ireland, I think it was approximately three o'clock in the morning, so I wasn't too sure! I was like, 'Yeah, yeah, sure you will. Sure you will, Charlie Big Bananas, sure you'll be there! I'll hold you a seat, how about that?""Anyway, I didn't know this, but he basically stumbled home from the pub, set an alarm clock, booked a flight to go back to Heathrow I think the first flight out." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here
