Linda Hogan Says Hulk Hogan Was Left Out of the 2025 Emmys “In Memoriam” Segment Because of Politics
The 2025 Emmy Awards were filled with big moments, but one absence in the “In Memoriam” tribute has left fans stunned and family members outraged. Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life WWE legend who passed away earlier this year, was nowhere to be seen during the segment honoring entertainers who died in the past year. His ex-wife, Linda Hogan, is now speaking out and believes the omission was deliberate, pointing to politics as the reason for what she calls a disrespectful snub.
Linda, who was married to Hogan for 26 years, told Entertainment Weekly that the decision to leave out the wrestling icon had nothing to do with oversight and everything to do with his outspoken political stance. In recent years, Hogan had been vocal about his support for Donald Trump, backing the former president during the run-up to the 2024 election. Linda believes those views played a role in the Academy’s choice not to include him in the tribute. “They should have named him!!” she said, frustration clear in her voice. For her, and for the family who shared Hogan with millions of fans worldwide, it felt like a slap in the face.
Hulk Hogan was not just a professional wrestler; he was a cultural phenomenon. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, his larger-than-life persona, booming voice, and unforgettable catchphrases made him one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment. Even for those who never watched a single wrestling match, the image of Hogan tearing his shirt, flexing his muscles, and telling kids to “say their prayers and take their vitamins” was etched into American pop culture. To many fans, he was as much a household name as any movie star or TV actor. That is why his absence from the Emmys’ segment, which is supposed to honor figures across entertainment, felt jarring.
For Linda, the omission wasn’t just about her ex-husband’s legacy, but also about fairness. She pointed out that Hogan had made appearances in television and film throughout his career, including movies like Rocky III and his own series Thunder in Paradise. His impact stretched far beyond wrestling arenas, influencing fashion, music, and even the way athletes engaged with their audiences. To dismiss him, she argued, was to ignore a piece of American entertainment history.
Fans quickly took to social media to echo her anger. Many argued that regardless of politics, Hulk Hogan’s contributions to entertainment were undeniable and deserved recognition. Hashtags criticizing the Emmys began to trend as viewers shared clips and memories of Hogan’s most iconic moments. Some called it an insult to his fans, while others saw it as another example of politics creeping into spaces meant to celebrate art and culture.
The Academy has not yet responded to the backlash, leaving the question of why Hogan was excluded unanswered. Was it an intentional political decision, or simply a mistake in a long list of names? Without clarification, speculation continues to grow, fueled by statements from those closest to Hogan and the passionate voices of fans who feel his absence deeply.
Hogan’s death earlier this year marked the end of an era in professional wrestling. He was more than a performer; he was a symbol of the sport’s explosion into mainstream culture. His charisma and ability to connect with audiences helped turn wrestling into a global entertainment force. That influence is hard to ignore, and for many, impossible to erase.
Linda Hogan’s comments have only intensified the debate. Her words highlight not just a personal sense of loss, but a larger cultural conversation about how public figures are remembered and honored. For her, the Emmys missed an opportunity to show respect not only to Hogan but to the millions of fans who grew up idolizing him. Whether the omission was political or not, it has sparked a wave of reflection on how legacies are shaped and who gets to decide which names are remembered in the spotlight.
