Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler whose real name was Terry Bollea, passed away in July 2025 at the age of 71 due to a heart attack. His death marked the complete of an era for wrestling fans worldwide, coming just months after his final public appearance in a Netflix documentary that would develop into his lasting testament.
The documentary, titled “Hulk Hogan: Real American,” premiered on Netflix on April 22, 2026, and features Hogan’s final interview—a candid conversation in which he reflected on his life, career, and personal regrets. In this deeply personal segment, Hogan confronted what he described as lifelong deceptions, acknowledging that much of his public persona had been built on foundations he now questioned.
Throughout the four-part series, viewers gain insight into Hogan’s complex relationship with former President Donald Trump, who appears in multiple segments. Their connection dates back to the late 1980s when Trump hosted WrestleMania V at the Trump Plaza hotel and casino in Atlantic City, establishing a friendship that would span decades.
One of the most poignant moments in the documentary occurs when Hogan plays a voicemail left by Trump following Hogan’s appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention. In the recording, Trump praises Hogan’s performance, saying: “Hulk, it’s your all-time favorite president. I just wanted to tell you, you were unbelievable at the convention. Like, the talk of the town. We had, by the way, I don’t recognize if you heard, the biggest ratings they’ve ever had for any of these things by far. Fox had the biggest ratings they’ve ever had, and you were the star.”
Trump continued in the voicemail: “Nobody could do what you did, and entertain. We love having you on our side. You’re a winner, man. You’re a champ and a winner, and I think it was really quality for you too, I have to tell you. Everyone was really impressed. Take care of yourself, thanks, bye.” This exchange highlighted the mutual admiration between the two figures, with Trump emphasizing Hogan’s star power and impact on the event’s record-breaking viewership.
The documentary also includes a separate interview with Trump filmed at the White House, where the president discussed their long-standing relationship. Trump noted his busy schedule, mentioning an upcoming Russia meeting before describing how their friendship developed over the years. He recalled their initial meeting in 1988 at WrestleMania and emphasized the genuine chemistry they shared, stating: “I have a big Russia meeting going on. I then goes on to describe how he became ‘friendly with the Hulkster… We had a good relationship, good chemistry….”
For Hogan, the decision to fully embrace his role as a Trump supporter in 2024 represented a significant shift from his earlier political hesitations. In the documentary, he admitted: “In 2016, I was one of the cowards who voted for Trump but wouldn’t wear the red hat. In 2020, I voted for Trump, and was still a coward.” He explained that the assassination attempt on Trump during the summer of 2024 was the turning point that compelled him to take a more visible stand, saying: “I was going to vote for him the next time and keep a low profile, but they tried to kill Trump.”
Throughout “Hulk Hogan: Real American,” Hogan’s reflections reveal a man grappling with the duality of his identity—the larger-than-life wrestling persona versus the private individual confronting mortality. The film presents his final interview not as a performance, but as an unguarded moment of self-reflection, where he acknowledged the contradictions in his life and sought to make peace with his choices before his passing.
As the documentary continues to stream on Netflix, it serves as both a celebration of Hogan’s monumental contributions to professional wrestling and a somber reminder of the human complexities behind the legend. Fans and viewers are left with a nuanced portrait of a man who, in his final days, sought honesty about a life lived in the spotlight—where even the most iconic personas must eventually face the truth.
The legacy of Hulk Hogan endures through his impact on sports entertainment, the memories he created for generations of fans, and the candid revelations shared in his last recorded words. For those seeking to understand the man behind the myth, “Hulk Hogan: Real American” offers an unfiltered glimpse into the reflections of a wrestling icon at the end of his journey.
