Linda Hogan, Hulk’s ex-wife, finally spoke after staying silent since the announcement.
“He and I had our battles, but there was never a day I didn’t admire his heart.”
But the item she kept from their marriage — and still wears — has fans stunned…

Linda Hogan’s Emotional Reflection and the Keepsake from Her Marriage to Hulk Hogan That Stunned Fans

In the wake of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan’s sudden passing on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, his ex-wife Linda Hogan has broken her silence, offering a heartfelt reflection on their tumultuous yet significant 26-year marriage. Linda, who had remained quiet since the announcement of Hogan’s death due to cardiac arrest, shared an emotional Instagram post on July 30, 2025, that resonated deeply with fans. “He and I had our battles, but there was never a day I didn’t admire his heart,” she wrote, acknowledging the complexities of their relationship while honoring the man who was both a global icon and the father of their two children, Brooke and Nick. However, it was the revelation of a cherished item from their marriage—one Linda still wears—that has left fans stunned and sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms like X.

Linda Hogan, born Linda Claridge, married Terry Gene Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, in 1983. Their marriage, which spanned from the height of Hulk’s wrestling fame to their public divorce in 2009, was marked by love, fame, and significant challenges, many of which played out on their VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best (2005–2007). The couple’s relationship weathered Hulk’s demanding wrestling career, the pressures of fame, and personal controversies, including allegations of infidelity that Linda cited as a key reason for their split. Despite their messy divorce and subsequent public disputes, Linda’s recent words reveal a lingering affection and respect for her former husband. “We had our struggles, but Terry was a force of nature, and his heart was always in the right place,” she wrote, a sentiment that contrasts with her earlier criticisms, such as her March 2025 Instagram video where she called Hogan a “sex addict” and “liar”.

The item that has captured fans’ attention is a delicate gold bracelet, adorned with a small charm engraved with the word “Hulkamania,” which Linda revealed she has worn daily since their marriage. In her Instagram post, Linda shared a close-up photo of the bracelet, explaining its significance: “He gave me this on our fifth anniversary, and I’ve never taken it off. It reminds me of the good times, the love we shared, and the family we built.” The bracelet, a subtle yet powerful nod to Hulk Hogan’s iconic persona, stunned fans for its sentimental value and Linda’s choice to keep wearing it despite their bitter divorce and years of estrangement. “Seeing Linda still wear that Hulkamania bracelet after everything… it’s heartbreaking and beautiful,” one fan commented on X, while another wrote, “That bracelet is proof love doesn’t just vanish, even when things fall apart.” The image of Linda wearing this keepsake has become a poignant symbol of their complex history, blending love, loss, and legacy.

The bracelet’s significance is amplified by the context of their relationship. Linda and Hulk met in a Los Angeles restaurant in 1981, maintaining a long-distance relationship before tying the knot in a star-studded ceremony attended by wrestling icons like Vince McMahon and André the Giant. Their marriage produced two children, Brooke (born 1988) and Nick (born 1990), and the family gained fame through Hogan Knows Best, which showcased their dynamic but also exposed cracks in their relationship. Linda filed for divorce in 2007, citing Hulk’s affair with Christiane Plante, a friend of Brooke’s, as a primary cause. The divorce was finalized in 2009, with Linda receiving 70% of their liquid assets and a $3 million property settlement. Post-divorce, Linda’s 2011 memoir Wrestling the Hulk: My Life Against the Ropes detailed allegations of abuse, which Hulk disputed, leading to a defamation lawsuit. Despite these conflicts, Linda’s decision to keep and wear the bracelet suggests a nuanced perspective on their shared past.

Linda’s recent comments also touch on the family’s ongoing struggles, particularly her estrangement from daughter Brooke, who has not spoken to her parents for nearly eight years. In her March 2025 Instagram Stories, Linda expressed heartbreak over Brooke’s decision to distance herself, noting that Brooke’s marriage to hockey player Steven Oleksy and the birth of her twins, Oliver and Molly, were not shared with her or Hulk. “Brooke’s absence hurts, but Nick has been a blessing,” Linda wrote in her recent post, praising her son’s continued closeness, a sentiment echoed in Nick’s own tribute to his father. Nick’s beach memorial, where he planted a cross with Hulk’s iconic bandana, further highlighted the family’s emotional tributes to Hogan’s legacy.

The bracelet’s revelation has sparked varied reactions among fans and commentators. Some see it as a testament to Linda’s resilience and ability to cherish positive memories despite pain, while others view it as a surprising contrast to her earlier accusations against Hulk. In a March 2025 interview with TMZ, Linda called Hulk a “good father” despite their issues, indicating a softening of her stance. This duality—acknowledging both love and hurt—resonates with fans who have followed the Hogan family’s saga. “Linda wearing that bracelet shows there’s still a piece of Hulk in her heart, no matter what happened,” a fan posted on X, reflecting a sentiment shared by many.

Hulk Hogan’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from wrestling peers, celebrities, and fans, with figures like Donald Trump and Sylvester Stallone honoring his impact. Linda’s bracelet, however, offers a deeply personal lens into his legacy, connecting to the “Hulkamania” phenomenon that defined an era. The charm, inscribed with a term synonymous with Hulk’s charisma and influence, serves as a tangible link to the 1980s wrestling boom, when Hogan headlined WrestleManias and became a cultural icon. For Linda, it represents not just Hulk’s public persona but the private moments they shared as a couple and parents.

As fans continue to mourn Hulk Hogan, Linda’s bracelet has become a focal point for reflection on love, forgiveness, and memory. Her decision to wear it daily, even after years of public feuds and personal pain, speaks to the enduring bond they shared, however fraught. “I’ll keep wearing it, for the good days and the lessons from the hard ones,” Linda concluded in her post. The image of the bracelet, glinting against the backdrop of her words, has left an indelible mark on fans, reminding them that even in the messiest of stories, love can leave a lasting imprint.