SmackDown was a night of remembrance for WWE.
The July 25 edition of WWE’s weekly show was 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 was a night full of remembrance for the creator of ‘Hulkamania’ with major names paying respect to the WWE Hall of Famer.
Even though the night was mostly dedicated to Hogan, it was still a WWE show with matches and more buildup to SummerSlam on Aug. 2-3. USA TODAY Sports provided 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.’
Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. The Iron Sheik
WWE shows footage from Madison Square Garden in 1984, when Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik to win his first WWE title.
Hogan was a six-time WWE Champion, and one of those reigns lasted 1,474 days, the third longest run in company history.
Cody Rhodes thanks Hulk Hogan
Before he talks about his SummerSlam matchup, ‘The American Nightmare’ thanks Hogan for his contributions to wrestling.
‘I know emotions and feelings regarding it are complicated,’ Rhodes said. ‘But what is not complicated is his accomplishments and his contributions to WWE, to sports entertainment, to pro wrestling, to entertainment as a whole, they are staggering and they are indisputable.
‘As someone who gets to stand here and say that I’m a WWE superstar, he was the original, and I just want to take a moment to say thank you Hulk Hogan.’
Remembering Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant
Arguably Hogan’s most memorable match, Hogan faced Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3. In the battle of giants, Hogan famously picked up his opponent and executed his signature running leg drop to defeat him.
It was just one of the eight times Hogan was in the main event of WrestleMania.
Other SmackDown results
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.
The Miz returns
After more than two months away, Ohio-native The Miz returns to an ovation from the crowd. He challenges Jacob Fatu to a match.
The Miz vs. Jacob Fatu
Fatu def. The Miz.
MFT comes in and immediately beats down Fatu. Jimmy Uso comes to help but Talla Tonga is too much and the attack continues. Fatu catches his breath and tries to hit Solo Sikoa with a chair, but Tonga again thwarts the attempt.
WWE Tag Team Championship match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
Andrade and Rey Fenix def. The Wyatt Sicks by disqualification. Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis retain titles.
Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns and the Street Profits come out and an all-out brawl breaks out. #DIY emerge with general manager Nick Aldis, and he announces all six teams will face off in a tables, ladders and chairs match. The fight continues.
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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