SmackDown will be a night of remembrance in WWE.
The July 25 edition of WWE’s weekly show will be the first one to take place since the death of Hulk Hogan, arguably the biggest star in company history. WWE typically holds tributes during shows after former stars have died, but given Hogan’s status and impact on the industry, it’s likely to be a big night of remembrance for the creator of ‘Hulkamania’ with plenty of emotional moments.
What will also be something to watch is the reactions to the Hogan tributes, given his polarizing status and the controversy that followed him. USA TODAY Sports will provide the highlights and more from SmackDown:
Watch: Hulk Hogan tribute video
A tribute video narrated by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque encapsulates Hogan’s career, from the beginning to his top moments in the ring — from WrestleMania main event matches to the New World Order to ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan. It also touches on his career outside of the ring, from movies to becoming a worldwide celebrity.
Ten-bell salute for Hulk Hogan
WWE does an honorary ten-bell salute as people in the crowd hold up signs for Hogan. Jimmy Hart was seen wiping tears away.
WWE roster pays tribute to Hulk Hogan
The SmackDown roster joins WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque on stage for a tribute. Other WWE icons like Jimmy Hart and Sgt. Slaughter are in the crowd. Levesque also speaks.
‘He captivated millions of people and inspired them around the globe,’ Levesque said. ‘We would not be standing here right now − all of us together − if it was not for him.’
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre
Cleveland-native Paul entices the crowd to make fun of Jelly Roll, who then emerges and trades words with Paul. McIntyre comes out for backup and Orton appears before a fight breaks out.
After taking some shots, Jelly Roll impresses with some jabs and a slam to Paul.
Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez
Perez def. Bliss.
Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green
Cargill def. Green.
The Secret Hervice attacks Cargill after the match but Tiffany Stratton comes to Cargill’s aid.
When is WWE Friday Night SmackDown?
WWE SmackDown takes place on Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. ET.
How to watch WWE Friday Night SmackDown
SmackDown airs on USA Network. It can be streamed via Fubo.
How long is WWE SmackDown?
SmackDown is a two-hour event.
WWE to pay tribute to Hulk Hogan
WWE said it will remember the legacy of Hogan on SmackDown. It has not been announced what tributes will be made.
When did Hulk Hogan die?
Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71.
Hulk Hogan cause of death
Hogan died after suffering cardiac arrest. The Clearwater (Florida) Police Department said fire and police personnel responded to a medical call on July 24 at 9:51 a.m. ET in Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, near Tampa.
Authorities said ‘the nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest’ and Hogan was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. ET.
WWE SmackDown match card, schedule
- WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan
- Cody Rhodes addresses street fight against John Cena at SummerSlam
- Randy Orton and Jelly Roll face off with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre
- WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
- Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez
WWE stars, icons remember Hulk Hogan
Several major WWE stars past and present have given tributes to Hogan since his death, including company founder Vince McMahon, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Ric Flair.
Jimmy Hart, Jerry Lawler react to Hulk Hogan death
Two people who were close to Hogan — Jimmy Hart and Jerry Lawler — spoke to USA TODAY Sports after Hogan’s death, and were emotional trying to process the news.
‘It’s just a sad situation,’ Lawler said.
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