Brooke Oleksy, the daughter of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, recently addressed critics who questioned her absence from WWE tributes honoring her late father.
On July 24, it was reported that Hulk Hogan had passed away at the age of 71, apparently due to cardiac arrest at his residence in Florida.
Hogan’s family released a statement to confirm his passing, expressing: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.”
The statement continued, “At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
WWE also released a statement, describing Hogan as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” who contributed to the company’s global fame in the 1980s.
Hogan’s legacy lives on through his two children, Brooke and Nick, from his marriage to Linda Hogan, and his wife of two years, Sky Daily.
On July 29, Nick was present at WWE’s Monday Night Raw, where a 10-bell salute was conducted in honor of Hogan.
Brooke, however, did not accompany her brother and faced criticism for not attending.
A tribute was also held for Hogan on Friday Night SmackDown.
In response to the backlash, Brooke clarified through her Instagram Story: “For those of you giving me crap for not attending my dad’s tribites, @wwe did not extend an invite.”
Additionally, Brooke shared a touching tribute to her father, dispelling any rumors of estrangement.
Accompanied by a series of photos with Hogan, she expressed: “My Dearest Daddy, You were my everything, and I will always be your girl. I am PROUD to be your daughter—for all the love, light, and goodness you brought into this world. Thank you for choosing me in this lifetime, and for loving me so deeply.”
She concluded her emotional post with, “Forever yours, Brooke.”
In a more detailed statement on Instagram, Brooke emphasized that her relationship with her father “was never broken” and described their bond as “deeper than words.”
She wrote, “I’m so grateful I got to know the real version of him, not just the one the world viewed through a carefully curated lens.”
UNILAD has reached out to WWE for comments on the matter.