Brooke Hogan, daughter of the late wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, has spoken out following criticism over her absence from WWE’s tribute events. In a heartfelt Instagram Story post, she wrote: **“For those of you giving me crap… @WWE did not extend an invite.”** Brooke’s absence from *SmackDown*, *NXT*, and *Monday Night RAW* tributes for her father—who died on July 24, 2025 at age 71—was caught up in significant public scrutiny, especially as her brother Nick and his wife Tana Lea attended and paid tribute live on air as covered by People and in detail at Page Six Page Six report.
Brooke also reflected on the complexities of her relationship with Hulk—describing it as deeply spiritual despite years of estrangement. She recounted that their distance was never due to a single event but rather the result of “private, emotional conversations” that led her to say she “had to step away to protect [her] heart.” She emphasized that their bond remained intact in spirit, and she felt her “spirit leave with him” even before hearing of his passing People’s reporting and via Page Six and Times of India features Sun coverage.
“Brooke clarified: our bond never broke—even within silence.”
On Reddit, fans rallied around Brooke’s position. A user wrote on r/SquaredCircle: > “Brooke last spoke to him in 2023 when she voiced concern over his health. He shut her out. She isn’t cold—she was protecting her heart.” The thread reflects widespread empathy, as many users pointed out Hulk’s reported unwillingness to reconcile unless things went his way as seen in fan discussion.
In 2023, Brooke formally requested to be removed from her father’s will, citing distrust in his inner circle and seeking to avoid posthumous legal entanglements. She will, however, receive life insurance proceeds held in trust—funds she intends to devote to her six-month-old twins’ college education, per her own confirmation and reporting in **TMZ Sports**, Page Six, and People Page Six and People’s report.
Brooke also used Instagram to push back against fans who accused her of disrespect. “@WWE did not extend an invite,” she stated firmly, adding that she will always love her father and is grateful for the spiritual bond they shared per People’s coverage. Her ex-wife Linda Hogan acknowledged the tension in multiple videos, confirming Brooke’s absence and publicly mourning their fractured family before Hulk’s death Times of India quotes Linda.
Hulk Hogan’s death came via cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. Paramedics performed 30 minutes of CPR before he was transported to hospital and pronounced dead around 11:17 AM on July 24, 2025. WWE issued public tributes, with Ric Flair, Triple H, and even former President Donald Trump acknowledging his cultural impact Thesun’s tribute overview.
Despite their estrangement, Brooke affirmed her love and peace with her decision. In her statement she said, “We had a connection deeper than words… I felt part of my spirit leave when he did.” She credited him with telling her she’d always find her way back—and said she feels that truth living on through her and her children as reflected in her Instagram tribute.
This episode highlights the nuance of grief, family estrangement, and public expectation. Brooke asserts that absence from WWE tributes had nothing to do with disrespect—and everything to do with silence, self-preservation, and her own emotional integrity.
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