Steve Carrier on July 25, 2025
Cody Rhodes didn’t ignore the elephant in the room during WWE SmackDown on July 25. As the company honored Hulk Hogan following his death at age 71, Rhodes delivered a live tribute—but didn’t shy away from acknowledging the complicated nature of Hogan’s legacy.
Just before launching into his promo against John Cena for their SummerSlam clash, Rhodes paused to speak on Hogan’s impact—and the layered reaction it continues to spark among fans and talent alike.
“Yesterday, WWE and pro wrestling lost one of its giant names, like Hulk Hogan. I know there are complicated details here, but what is not complicated are his contributions to WWE. That is undeniable. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”
The line hit differently. While most of the night’s tributes focused purely on Hogan’s career—such as the 10-bell salute and an emotional video montage set to “Real American”—Rhodes gave fans a moment of honesty. He recognized that not everyone sees Hogan’s legacy the same way, while still giving credit where credit is due.
Earlier in the night, Triple H opened the show alongside the full SmackDown roster and several WWE legends, honoring Hogan as one of the key figures who brought WWE to the forefront with Hulkamania. But it was Rhodes who subtly acknowledged the duality of Hogan’s legacy—iconic and influential, but not without controversy.
As WWE continues its road to SummerSlam, Rhodes’ comment stands out as the most nuanced tribute of the night—one that respected the man’s impact while recognizing the weight of his history.
Do you think Cody Rhodes struck the right tone with his tribute? Should more stars speak openly about complicated legacies like Hogan’s? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
July 25, 2025 9:08 pm
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