Protestor Disrupts Ron DeSantis’ Hulk Hogan Tribute With Angry Outburst

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took a moment during a news conference to personally reflect on the passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan—sharing a heartfelt tribute before the event was unexpectedly interrupted by a protestor.

Before diving into the main topic of the day, DeSantis paused to honor the WWE Hall of Famer, who spent much of his life in the Tampa Bay area.

“And before I get into the gist of today’s information, just as a Floridian, as somebody that grew up in West Central Florida, I was sad to see the news that that Hulk Hogan passed away today. He was a major icon for anybody in Gen X.”

The Governor, born in 1978, described Hogan as more than just a wrestling figure—calling him a larger-than-life presence who symbolized heroism to an entire generation.

“I can tell you growing up then in the 80s and particularly the early 90s… he actually really was a star first before even he was Hulkamania but when he was Thunder Lips in Rocky III. So he was Thunder Lips and then a couple years later became the World Wrestling Federation heavyweight champion. And you know, as a young kid, I’m growing up and it’s like, ‘Wow, that’s our superhero kind of deal.’”

DeSantis also reflected on the hometown connection he shared with Hogan.

“The fact that he was from the Tampa Bay area when I’m growing up there, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this guy lives in our area.’”

The tribute was quickly overshadowed by chaos as a protestor loudly disrupted the event, shouting and flipping off the crowd. The man screamed, “You’re a fcking Nazi!”* at DeSantis before being escorted away by security. The incident was captured and shared online by Going Ringside’s YouTube channel.

While DeSantis eventually resumed the conference, the emotional moment honoring Hogan marked a rare and personal touch from the Governor, especially for Floridians who grew up watching the Hulkster on their screens.

What do you think of Ron DeSantis’ comments on Hulk Hogan’s passing? Do you agree with his take on Hogan being a superhero to a generation? Drop your thoughts below and join the discussion.

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