Hulk Hogan’s final major business project was nearly finished before his death—but his son Nick Hogan is making sure it still opens its doors.
According to Page Six, longtime New York nightlife operator Rich Rosen invested roughly $7 million into Slam Sports Bar, a massive three-story venue directly across from Madison Square Garden. The location was meant to celebrate Hogan’s career and his deep history with the building where Hulkamania exploded.
Rosen did not land Hogan through a corporate meeting or a polished business pitch. He bought a ticket to an autograph signing, waited five hours and used his few seconds with the WWE legend to shoot his shot.
“I basically waited five hours on line to get two seconds with Hulk Hogan. I came with an 8-by-11 glossy picture of Madison Square Garden, and in the picture is our storefront.”
Rosen pointed out the property, showed Hogan how close it was to Madison Square Garden and immediately declared that they were going into business together.
“That’s my storefront, that’s the Garden, and you’re my new partner.”
The wild pitch worked. Hogan agreed to become part of Slam, giving Rosen the star power needed to build a wrestling-themed sports bar in one of the busiest areas of Manhattan.
Then everything changed. Hogan died from a heart attack in July 2025 at 71, just as the multimillion-dollar project was moving closer to opening. Rosen said the loss crushed him and left the future of the bar in doubt.
“When I got the news, I was devastated.”
The project could have died with Hogan, but Nick refused to let that happen. Nick said there was never any serious question about whether Slam would continue. In his eyes, opening the bar now carries even more meaning because it gives fans a place to celebrate his father’s life and legacy.
“This was always happening. If anything, it has a greater purpose now than ever.”
Rosen has since named Nick vice president of American Sports Bar Entertainment, putting him at the center of the brand and making him the public face of the project his father helped create.
A weeklong grand opening is planned for later this year, with Rosen and Nick promising a celebration built around Hulk Hogan, Madison Square Garden and the wrestling fans who helped turn him into one of the biggest stars the business has ever seen.
Slam Sports Bar was supposed to be Hulk Hogan’s next big New York moment. Now it is becoming something more personal—a final tribute being carried across the finish line by his son.
Do you think Nick Hogan can turn Slam Sports Bar into a lasting tribute to Hulk Hogan? Leave your feedback in the comments.
