AEW and Tony Schiavone Pay Tribute to Hulk Hogan: On-Air Response to His Passing

Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, at 71 years old. His death sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, prompting various promotions to pay tribute. WWE, TNA, and NJPW honored him on their live shows and online platforms. However, fans noticed that AEW had not made any immediate mention of him, raising questions about how they would respond during AEW Collision.

In 2020, AEW’s owner, Tony Khan, stated on social media that Hogan was “banned” from the promotion due to his racist remarks made during a private incident. This history led some to speculate that AEW might ignore his passing altogether.

When AEW Collision aired, the first match went by without mention of Hogan. However, after the match, lead commentator Tony Schiavone addressed Hogan’s death. Schiavone had previously worked with Hogan during his iconic run in WCW, which was also broadcast on TNT. He faced some criticism online for clarifying that Hogan was a “friend” rather than a “close friend,” which some fans found insensitive given the circumstances.

In his eulogy, Schiavone reflected on Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling. He reminded viewers how Hogan helped bring wrestling into the mainstream during the 80s and ignited the Monday Night Wars in the 90s. “Hulk lit the fire that put WCW on the cable TV map,” he said.

Schiavone also expressed empathy for Hogan’s family, highlighting the human side of wrestling stars. “If you’ve never lost a family member, you can’t understand their pain. It is intense,” he said, extending condolences to Hogan’s loved ones.

Wrestling fans have largely reacted with mixed feelings towards the way AEW approached the tribute. Some felt it was respectful, while others criticized the delay in acknowledgment. This kind of reflection shows the complex emotions fans hold towards celebrities they grew up watching.

Hogan’s death is a moment for wrestling fans to remember not just the spectacle but the personal struggles and triumphs of their heroes.

If you’re interested in exploring the impact of Hogan’s career or the evolution of professional wrestling, this piece on WWE’s influence delves deeper into the subject.

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