It’s been a heavy year for the Hogan family. After the passing of the "Immortal" Hulk Hogan in July 2025, the wrestling world went into a collective state of mourning. But for Nick Hogan today, the grief has seemingly transformed into a unexpected new chapter.
Honestly, if you grew up watching Hogan Knows Best, the idea of Nick Bollea (his legal name) in a wrestling ring probably feels like a fever dream. For years, he was the kid who wanted to drift cars, not drop legs. He was the one who went through that horrific 2007 crash that changed John Graziano’s life forever. He was the guy who stayed behind the DJ booth while his dad soaked up the spotlight.
But things changed. Recently, Nick has been spotted training with NWA Television Champion Bryan Idol. We aren't talking about a casual gym session, either. He’s been in the ring, taking bumps, and looking—quite frankly—in the best shape of his life.
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When Nick was spotted at LAX in late 2025, TMZ didn't waste any time asking the big question. His response was typical Hogan: "It's in the blood."
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He’s 35 now. That’s late to start in the business, but not impossible, especially with the Bollea genes. He’s already been a fixture at major events like WWE SummerSlam 2025, where he stood in the center of the ring for a 10-bell salute to his father. Seeing him there, wearing the red and yellow, it just felt... different. Like he was finally comfortable in a skin he spent twenty years trying to crawl out of.
WWE sources have been pretty tight-lipped. As of early 2026, there are no official contracts on the table. However, Nick has been acting as the "acting commissioner" for Real American Freestyle (RAF), the wrestling league his father helped launch right before he passed.
Managing the Hulk Hogan Estate
Life isn't just about headlocks and high spots for Nick these days. He’s the co-representative of Hulk Hogan’s estate. That’s a massive responsibility. We’re talking about a fortune worth millions, plus the complicated web of trademarks and copyrights that come with the "Hulk Hogan" brand.
It hasn't been all sunshine, though. Nick recently filed a lawsuit against Bubba the Love Sponge. The issue? An unreleased documentary about Hulk that Nick claims infringes on the estate’s intellectual property. It’s a messy, public battle that reminds everyone that being a celebrity’s son is mostly just a lot of paperwork and legal fees.
Then there’s the sister situation. Brooke Hogan has been notably absent from the estate dealings. Court documents confirmed she wasn't included in the will—a move she reportedly requested herself years ago to distance herself from the family drama. Nick, meanwhile, has become the de facto protector of the legacy.
Legal Struggles and Recent Run-ins
You can't talk about Nick Hogan today without acknowledging the elephant in the room: his driving record.
Back in November 2023, Nick was arrested for a DUI in Clearwater, Florida. It was a PR nightmare. The arrest happened in the same city as his 2007 crash, and the bodycam footage was... well, it was awkward. He tried to tell officers the smell of alcohol was because he "kissed his girlfriend."
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It didn't work.
He ended up with a year of probation, which a judge actually ended early in December 2024 because he met all his requirements. He seems to be staying on the straight and narrow now, likely because the stakes have never been higher. If he wants a career in the WWE or even a successful run with RAF, he can't afford another headline involving a mugshot.
What’s Next for Nick?
So, what is the actual vibe for Nick Hogan in 2026?
He’s living in Florida, staying close to the family bars like Hogan’s Hangout, and focusing on "keeping the brand alive." He’s still with his long-term girlfriend, Tana Lea. They’ve been together since 2019, and she’s been a constant presence through the DUI drama and the loss of his father.
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If you’re looking for a comeback story, this might be it. Or it might just be a son trying to feel close to a father who was larger than life. Either way, the "Hulkamania" name isn't disappearing from the headlines anytime soon.
Practical steps to follow Nick's journey:
- Watch the RAF Launch: Check out the Real American Freestyle debut on Fox Nation to see Nick’s role as commissioner.
- Monitor WWE "Raw" Cameos: Expect more legacy appearances as WWE continues to honor the Hulkster throughout 2026.
- Follow the Estate Legalities: Keep an eye on the Florida court dockets if you're interested in how the Bubba the Love Sponge lawsuit settles, as it sets a major precedent for celebrity estate protections.