UPDATE: BILLIONAIRE ELON MUSK ANNOUNCES HE WILL PAY LEGENDARY ATHLETE HULK HOGAN’S FUNERAL COSTS—HE WAS A TRUE FRIEND OF ME! | HO!!!!

The world woke up today to news that seemed both shocking and deeply moving: Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for his work with Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), announced that he will personally cover the funeral costs for WWE legend Hulk Hogan. “He was a true friend of mine,” Musk posted on his social media account, “and I want to honor him in the way he deserved.”

For many, the connection between Musk, the world’s richest man, and Hogan, the most recognizable face in professional wrestling history, came as a surprise. But as stories and tributes from friends, fans, and family began to pour in, a picture emerged of a friendship that was as unlikely as it was genuine—a bond built on mutual respect, shared laughter, and a belief in never giving up.

The Lasting Legacy of Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was more than just a wrestler. To millions, he was an icon—a symbol of strength, perseverance, and charisma. With his trademark handlebar mustache, yellow bandana, and booming catchphrases (“Whatcha gonna do, brother?”), Hogan became a household name in the 1980s and 90s, drawing millions to wrestling’s golden era.

But behind the larger-than-life persona was a man who, by all accounts, was deeply kind, fiercely loyal, and always willing to lend a hand. Over the last few years, as he battled health issues and quietly stepped away from the spotlight, Hogan’s circle of friends grew smaller—but more meaningful.

It was during this quieter chapter that Elon Musk entered his life.

How Musk and Hogan Became Friends

The story of their friendship began in 2017, at a charity event in Miami. Musk, there to support STEM education for underprivileged kids, found himself seated next to Hogan, who was auctioning off a signed championship belt for the same cause. The two men, both larger than life in their own ways, struck up an unlikely conversation about hard work, resilience, and the importance of believing in yourself.

By the end of the night, they had exchanged numbers, and a friendship was born.

“He didn’t care about my money or my rockets,” Musk later recalled. “He cared about whether I was doing the right thing. He asked me if I was happy, if I was taking care of my family. He just wanted to know the real me.”

For Hogan, Musk was a breath of fresh air. “Elon’s a dreamer, brother,” Hogan told a reporter in 2021. “He reminds me of the little Hulkamaniacs who used to believe anything was possible. We’d talk for hours about life, about the universe, about never giving up.”

Private Moments, Public Impact

Over the years, Musk and Hogan’s friendship remained mostly private. They were occasionally spotted together at charity events, or Musk would post a cryptic tweet about “training with a legend.” But those close to them say their bond was real.

“He would call Hulk just to check in,” said Jimmy Hart, Hogan’s longtime friend and manager. “They’d talk about everything—business, family, even the latest wrestling storylines. Elon respected that Hulk never pretended to be anything he wasn’t.”

Hogan, for his part, was one of the few people who could make Musk laugh when the pressures of running multiple billion-dollar companies became overwhelming. “He’d do the voice, you know?” Musk once said, smiling. “He’d say, ‘Elon, brother, you gotta believe!’ And for a moment, everything felt possible again.”

The Final Days

In recent months, Hogan’s health declined rapidly. He was in and out of the hospital, but he never lost his fighting spirit. Musk flew to see him in Florida several times, sometimes arriving unannounced with a bag of Hulkamania merchandise or the latest SpaceX mission patch.

“He brought me a Tesla hat and told me I needed to upgrade my ride,” Hogan joked with nurses, even as he struggled with pain. “He said he’d build me a rocket-powered wheelchair if I wanted.”

When the end came, it was peaceful. Hogan was surrounded by family and close friends. Musk, unable to be there in person due to a launch commitment, called in on video. “He told him he loved him,” said Hogan’s daughter Brooke. “He said, ‘Thank you for teaching me that strength isn’t just about muscles or money. It’s about heart.’ My dad just smiled and said, ‘That’s right, brother.’”

A Billionaire’s Promise

News of Hogan’s passing spread quickly. Tributes poured in from around the world—from fellow wrestlers, celebrities, and fans who grew up idolizing the Hulkster. But it was Musk’s announcement that captured the world’s attention.

On X, Musk wrote:

“Hulk Hogan was more than a legend—he was a true friend. He believed in me before most people did. To honor his legacy, I will personally pay for his funeral and ensure he receives the send-off he deserves. Rest in power, brother. The universe is a little less bright without you.”

Musk’s gesture was about more than money. It was about respect, gratitude, and a recognition that, in the end, what matters most isn’t fame or fortune, but the lives we touch along the way.

A Funeral Fit for a Legend

Plans for Hogan’s funeral are already underway. According to family spokesman Jimmy Hart, the ceremony will be open to the public, with a private service for close friends and family to follow. Musk has insisted on covering all costs, including travel for Hogan’s old wrestling colleagues and a special tribute video to be played at the service.

“He wanted it to be a celebration,” Hart said. “No black suits, no sad music. Just stories, laughter, and maybe a few flexes for old times’ sake.”

Musk has also commissioned a custom casket, painted in Hogan’s signature red and yellow, with the words “Hulkamania Forever” emblazoned across the side. “He wanted something that would make Hulk smile,” Hart added. “And I think he nailed it.”

The Enduring Power of Friendship

In a world obsessed with status and celebrity, the friendship between Elon Musk and Hulk Hogan serves as a reminder that the most meaningful connections often come from the most unexpected places. One was a billionaire building rockets to Mars; the other was a wrestler who taught millions to believe in themselves. Together, they found common ground in kindness, humor, and hope.

As the world prepares to say goodbye to Hulk Hogan, Musk’s tribute stands as a testament to the power of friendship—a power that can bridge worlds, heal hearts, and, in the end, outlast even the greatest legends.

Final Words

At the end of his announcement, Musk wrote simply:

“Whatcha gonna do, brother, when the universe remembers you?”

For millions who grew up watching Hulk Hogan, and for one billionaire who found a true friend in an unlikely place, the answer is clear:

You remember, you celebrate, and you keep believing—because that’s what real heroes do.