In the wake of Hulk Hogan’s passing, what’s grabbing attention isn’t just the legacy he left inside the ring—but the painful family dynamics that played out in his final years.
While fans are paying tribute to the WWE icon, those closest to him are revealing a much more complicated story behind the scenes.
A Father’s Silence Toward His Daughter’s Newborns
According to former NHL player Steven Oleksy—who’s married to Hogan’s daughter Brooke—the wrestling star showed no interest in meeting his newborn grandchildren before he died.
Brooke and Oleksy welcomed twins back in January, and her husband says he tried to bridge the family gap.
“I reached out again about a month and a half after the twins were born,” Oleksy told People, explaining that he sent texts to see if Hogan was ready to reconnect.
But he said the response was clear: “There was no interest.”
Brooke Tried to Stay Involved—Until She Couldn’t Anymore
Brooke Hogan had been a constant in her father’s life for years, even showing up for every surgery and medical procedure up until their estrangement began.
Oleksy shared that Brooke regularly flew out—on her own dime—to care for her dad, knowing his health routine better than anyone.
But eventually, things changed. Brooke explained earlier this year that she had to “step away to protect [her] heart,” suggesting that the emotional toll of their strained relationship had become too much.
Multiple Attempts to Rebuild the Bridge
This wasn’t a sudden fallout. Back in April, reports surfaced that Oleksy had been trying for years to make peace between Brooke and her father.
He had even asked Hogan for a “man-to-man conversation,” but said his requests were either ignored or turned down.
Sources close to the couple said their emotional burden was heavy and unresolved.
“The hurt is very, very heavy,” one insider shared. Oleksy made it clear back then that he wouldn’t let people continue to attack or misrepresent Brooke, publicly defending her against online backlash.
Family History and the Final Goodbye
Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, had two children—Brooke and Nick—with his first wife Linda, whom he divorced in 2009.
He later married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, divorcing her in 2021, and then tied the knot with Sky Daily two years later.
Hogan was still married to Sky when he died of cardiac arrest last week at his Florida home at the age of 71.
Brooke’s last conversation with her father happened in September 2023, just weeks before he married Sky.
She told him she loved him and urged him to slow down due to his worsening health.
Unfortunately, that heartfelt plea ended up being the last time they ever spoke.
WWE Tribute Sparks Fresh Frustration
As the wrestling world honored Hogan’s memory, Brooke was noticeably absent—and she wants fans to know it wasn’t her decision.
After fans criticized her for skipping WWE’s tribute, she cleared the air on Instagram.
“For those of you giving me crap for not attending my Dad’s tributes, @WWE did not extend an invite,” she wrote bluntly on her Story.
Daily Mail has reached out to WWE for comment, but as of now, they haven’t responded.
Brother Nick Leads Emotional Farewell
While Brooke was left out, her brother Nick Hogan took center stage during WWE’s tribute on Monday Night Raw.
He delivered a heartfelt message, calling his father his “best friend” and standing beside WWE legends for a 10-bell salute in Detroit.
His wife, Tana Lea, was seen wiping away tears as she stood by his side during the moving ceremony.