Hulk Hogan's Friend Shares Behind-The-Scenes Details From His Star-Studded Memorial

In an exclusive conversation with The Blast, SLAM Sports Bar owner and close friend Rich Rosen opened up about attending Hulk Hogan's memorial service, a day he described as "an unbelievable tribute" to a man whose impact reached far beyond the wrestling ring.

Rosen, who was in the middle of working with Hulk Hogan on his final business venture, a Madison Square Garden-adjacent sports bar called SLAM, recalled the overwhelming outpouring of love for the WWE Hall of Famer.

The memorial brought together some of the biggest names in wrestling history, united in their grief and respect for Hogan's legacy.

"It was unbelievable. It was an unbelievable tribute. Incredibly sad," Rosen said, his voice heavy with emotion. "To watch videos and see his contemporaries praising him… it was powerful."

Rosen described the atmosphere as both somber and celebratory, with heartfelt speeches from friends, peers, and even Hulk Hogan's pastor, whom Rosen called "an incredible human being."

"Triple H even said at his memorial that he doesn't think WWE would be around today, at least not as we know it, if it wasn't for Hulk Hogan," Rosen revealed. "That says everything about his importance to the industry."

Rosen emphasized that Hulk Hogan was more than just a global superstar. He was humble, kind, and made those around him feel like equals.

"He treated me like his equal," he told The Blast. "Nobody was really his equal, but he kind of treated everyone like that."

In the days leading up to his passing, Rosen had spoken with Hogan on the phone. "The last thing he said to me was, 'I'm back, brother. Give me some time. I'm coming back. We're making the big time back.' He sounded good," Rosen recalled. "He believed it, and I believed it too. That's why it's so sad."

News of Hogan's death triggered a tidal wave of grief from fans around the world. Rosen said the memorial was only a small reflection of the massive global following the wrestling legend had built over decades.

"This guy's fan base is… like he said, 'I'm worldwide.' And he meant that, and he actually is," Rosen said. "We're getting messages from people everywhere who feel like they need to be part of honoring him."

Even fellow wrestling icons reached out to Rosen after the memorial, eager to support the continuation of Hogan's last business dream. "Ric Flair said, 'You're still doing it, right?' I told him, of course, we are. He said, 'Great, I'll be there.' Lex Luger said the same. Everyone wants to be there for him," Rosen revealed.

For Rosen, the memorial was a reminder that Hulk Hogan's influence will never fade, and neither will his love for New York City and Madison Square Garden.

"He told me if there was any place he could live in the world, it would be New York City. He loved it his whole life," Rosen said.

While the sadness of losing his friend is still fresh, Rosen is determined to carry Hogan's legacy forward through SLAM Sports Bar, which he now views as a tribute as much as a business venture.

He told The Blast, "This is now his legacy. This is now the place where fans can come, share memories, and keep his spirit alive."

The emotional memorial service at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, came nearly two weeks after Hogan, born Terry Bollea, died at age 71 following a cardiac arrest. For friends, family, and fans, the Largo gathering served as both a celebration of an extraordinary life and a poignant reminder of the man behind the legend.

While the memorial marked a heartfelt goodbye, Rosen says Hulk Hogan's legacy will live on just steps from Madison Square Garden through SLAM Sports Bar, the final business venture the two were building together before his passing.

Originally envisioned as more than just a place to grab a drink, SLAM will be a complete "Hulk Hogan Experience," featuring rare memorabilia, life-size statues, and even menu items inspired by the wrestling icon.

He told The Blast, "This is now a tribute. If you loved Hulk Hogan, you have to be there. We're going to make sure it honors him the right way."

With Hogan's son Nick now helping to shape the project, Rosen says the flagship location will be "the true Hulk Hogan last stop," a place where fans from around the world can keep Hulkamania alive.