As the wrestling world continues to mourn the loss of Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea), former WCW President Eric Bischoff—one of Hogan’s closest professional allies and friends—shared his heartfelt reaction to the news of Hogan’s death during an interview with FOX News.
Bischoff, who helped orchestrate Hogan’s legendary heel turn in WCW and the formation of the nWo, was visibly shaken and emotional as he reflected on his longtime friend.
“I’m in shock…”
“I’m in shock. It still hasn’t really set in,” Bischoff said. “I learned this morning about Hulk’s passing, ironically, while watching FOX News. I’m in Las Vegas to shoot some interviews with some of our wrestlers from Real American Freestyle.
I got a text to let me know something was going on. Five minutes later, I was in my room and I’m watching FOX News—and got the news. I’ve literally been on the phone or responding to texts and emails ever since. It hasn’t truly sunk in yet.”
Bischoff drew a clear distinction between the larger-than-life character of Hulk Hogan and the man behind the persona, Terry Bollea—whom he described as incredibly kind, generous, and loyal.
“I feel like I knew Terry Bollea. Terry Bollea was different than Hulk Hogan.
Terry Bollea, the man, was kind. He was generous to a fault. He was loyal. He just had a big heart.
Until you got to know Terry, you were overwhelmed with the character Hulk Hogan. That was his life. But he really was one of the kindest, most generous people that I’ve ever met.”
Faith and Peace in His Final Years
Bischoff also spoke about Hogan’s spiritual journey, revealing that the wrestling icon had grown deeply connected to his faith in recent years.
“Terry, like all of us, struggled with his faith at times—but it was always there, always present.
In the last six, seven, eight years in particular, he really got so much closer to his faith. He was so proud to go through baptism and just embrace his faith to a level that he never really had prior. It brought joy to him, and I’m grateful—very grateful—for that.”
“The Show Goes On. BROTHER!”
On social media, a fan asked Bischoff whether his upcoming wrestling project Real American Freestyle, which had a working connection to Hogan, would continue following the tragedy. Bischoff’s response, filled with classic Hogan flair, was short but powerful:
“The show goes on. BROTHER!”
PWMania.com extends its deepest condolences to Eric Bischoff, the Hogan family, and the entire wrestling community as we continue to honor the legacy of one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling history.
Stay with PWMania.com for more reactions, tributes, and coverage as the world remembers Hulk Hogan.
