“It’s in the Blood”: Nick Hogan Teases a Possible Wrestling Career as He Opens Up About Losing His Father, WWE Icon Hulk Hogan
Nick Hogan grew up watching one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment command arenas with sheer charisma, unmatched physicality, and a persona so iconic it transcended wrestling itself. Now, months after the death of his legendary father, Hulk Hogan, Nick is hinting that he may be ready to carry that legacy forward — not as a tribute forced by expectation, but as an instinct he says has been there his entire life.
The former reality-show personality, now 34, has largely lived outside the public eye in recent years. But after Hulk Hogan died in July following a heart attack, Nick has slowly stepped forward to speak about the loss, the weight of his father’s legacy, and the unexpected pull he now feels toward the world of professional wrestling. In a recent conversation that has caught the attention of longtime fans, Nick suggested that entering the ring isn’t just a possibility — it might be something that feels “in the blood.”
For many wrestling fans, the Hogan name is synonymous with the golden era of WWE. Hulk Hogan wasn’t simply a performer; he was a pop-culture force who helped define and mainstream the sport. His trademark bandana, unmistakable physique, trademark voice, and his larger-than-life catchphrases made him an international phenomenon. And for nearly four decades, Nick watched it all from the closest vantage point possible — behind the curtain, backstage, and at his father’s side.
Nick’s childhood was shaped by arenas, fan meet-and-greets, training gyms, and the non-stop travel schedule that comes with being a wrestling superstar. But despite his front-row seat to the industry, he never fully stepped into the wrestling spotlight himself. Instead, he became better known in the early 2000s for appearing on the family’s reality series Hogan Knows Best, which documented life inside the household of wrestling’s biggest icon. At the time, Nick was a teenager still finding his way, struggling to balance his own identity with a last name recognized around the world.
As he grew older, Nick pursued other interests including motorsports and entertainment, distancing himself from wrestling expectations. But the loss of his father appears to have reshaped his perspective — not in a rushed or performative way, but through a deeper emotional connection to the man who shaped so much of his life.
In his recent comments, Nick described wrestling as something he has always understood intuitively, even without formally training for the ring. He said that growing up backstage gave him an appreciation for how much work, showmanship, discipline, and sacrifice the sport demands. He also spoke openly about respecting the craft and the athletes who dedicate their lives to it. His father’s death, he hinted, made him reflect on the Hogan legacy in a way he never had before. After seeing so many fans around the world mourn the wrestling icon’s passing, Nick realized just how deeply his father’s influence was woven into the culture of the sport — and into his own identity.
“There’s a reason people say wrestling families run deep,” he recently said. “It’s built into the memories, the environment, the stories you grow up with. It’s in the blood.”
Nick hasn’t confirmed any official training plans or a formal debut, but fans and insiders have already begun speculating about how he might approach a late-entry wrestling career. Some believe he could appear first in non-wrestling segments, following the pattern seen in families like the Flairs and the Rhodes — using a microphone to establish presence before taking on physical roles. Others believe that if Nick does enter the ring, it will be in a carefully considered environment that prioritizes safety, story, and slow development rather than rushing to capitalize on his last name.
His father’s legacy looms especially large. Hulk Hogan’s career spanned multiple eras, from the territory days to WrestleMania’s peak growth, through iconic rivalries and unforgettable heel turns. His presence reshaped the global reach of wrestling entertainment, making him a household name far beyond the ring. But that legacy also brings complexities, both personal and public. Nick acknowledged that stepping into the industry would mean embracing the weight of the Hogan name with both pride and responsibility.
Nick’s recent openness comes at a time when the wrestling community is still deeply mourning Hulk Hogan’s passing. Tributes poured in from all corners of the wrestling world in July — from The Rock to Ric Flair to WWE executives, legends, and fans from every generation. Many shared stories about Hulk’s generosity backstage, his leadership during major industry shifts, and the joy he brought to fans across the globe.
For Nick, the outpouring of love was overwhelming and meaningful. He reflected on seeing fans dressed as Hulk outside memorial gatherings, carrying old merchandise, or sharing personal stories online about how his father’s presence shaped their childhoods. “It made me realize,” he said, “that his legacy wasn’t just his career — it was the connection he made with people. That’s something you don’t fully understand until you see it from the outside.”
Those who know Nick say that wrestling was never off the table — it just wasn’t something he had committed to. But now, in the shadow of grief and reflection, it seems he’s considering whether stepping into the ring might be a way to honor the man who taught him so much. Not through imitation, but through evolution — carrying forward a name with respect while creating something new of his own.
Nick’s social media posts in the months following Hulk Hogan’s death have been heartfelt, focused on gratitude, memories, and the support he’s received. His recent hints about wrestling have generated new excitement among longtime fans, curious to see whether a second-generation Hogan might take on the world of sports entertainment in a new era.
Industry insiders say wrestling companies — especially those with strong ties to Hogan’s history — would undoubtedly pay attention if Nick were to express real interest. WWE, where Hulk Hogan became a global star, has a long tradition of supporting generational talent. Meanwhile, AEW has also built storylines around legacy athletes, opening multiple possible paths should Nick pursue the idea seriously.
Still, Nick appears thoughtful about the possibility. Those close to him emphasize that this isn’t about cashing in on a name or rushing a media moment. It’s about a genuine emotional pull — one that surfaced after losing his father and reflecting on everything wrestling meant to their family. “If I did it,” he said, “it would be because it feels right. Not because it’s expected.”
No matter what Nick chooses, the connection he feels to wrestling is real — and deeply personal. The sport shaped much of his upbringing, influenced the dynamic within his family, and ultimately connected his father to millions of fans who now grieve alongside him. Taking even a small step toward the ring would be symbolic, a gesture that acknowledges both loss and legacy.
As fans wait to see what comes next, many have expressed support for Nick’s possible foray into wrestling. Some say they would welcome seeing the Hogan name in the ring again, while others believe Nick could bring something fresh and unexpected to the industry. For now, Nick is simply allowing himself the space to explore the possibility — honoring his father by considering the path that shaped their lives so profoundly.
Hulk Hogan’s shadow is enormous, but so is the impact he had on the sport. As Nick stands at a crossroads, his words resonate: “It’s in the blood.” Whether that leads him to the ring or simply strengthens his connection to the fans who adored his father, the story of the Hogan legacy is clearly far from over.
