Hulk Hogan Is Dead : But What Was He Working On Before It Happened?

The news on July 24, 2025, sent a seismic shockwave through the worlds of wrestling, entertainment, and pop culture. Hulk Hogan, the man born Terry Gene Bollea and a legend who defined an entire generation, had passed away at the age of 71. The cause, a sudden heart attack, brought a tragic end to a life lived in the public eye, a life filled with "Hulkamania," red and yellow, and the iconic phrase, "Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?"

Hogan was a force of nature who transcended the squared circle to become a household name, starring in movies, reality TV, and countless endorsements. While he had long retired from his full-time in-ring career, the Hulkster was not a man to stay still. In the final months of his life, he was as active as ever, dedicating his time and energy to a number of projects that proved his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to leave a lasting legacy were still running wild. His final chapter was filled with new ventures, documentaries, and even a new style of wrestling.

Here's a detailed look at what Hulk Hogan was working on before his death.

1. "Real American Beer": A Nostalgic Business Venture

One of the most prominent projects that consumed Hogan's final months was the launch of his own beer brand, "Real American Beer." This wasn't just a simple endorsement deal; it was a deeply personal business venture that tapped directly into his most iconic persona. The name itself was a direct callback to his classic wrestling theme song and his patriotic character, aiming to evoke a sense of nostalgic Americana.

• A Hands-On Approach: Hogan was far from a silent partner. He was the face of the brand, actively promoting it at events and through social media. He was frequently on the road, sharing his vision for a beer that could "bring America back together one beer at a time." The beer itself was marketed as a "light, crisp, crushable" lager, a choice that was intentionally unpretentious and aimed at the mass market, just like the appeal of his wrestling character.
• A Broader Vision: Real American Beer wasn't just about selling a product. It was a statement. The branding, with its red and yellow color scheme and Hogan's unmistakable likeness, was designed to be a feel-good, all-American product. The brand also became the "Official Beer and Title Sponsor" of his new wrestling promotion, creating a synergistic ecosystem around his new ventures.

2. A New Wrestling Promotion: Real American Freestyle

Hulk Hogan's love for wrestling never truly faded, and he was working to create a new legacy in the sport with the launch of "Real American Freestyle." Partnering with his long-time friend and former wrestling executive Eric Bischoff, this promotion was intended to be a fresh take on the industry.

• Unscripted and Authentic: The core concept of Real American Freestyle was its unscripted nature, a departure from the choreographed style of modern professional wrestling. The promotion aimed to combine the showmanship of pro wrestling with the legitimacy of amateur freestyle wrestling.
• The Launch and Future: The new league was gaining momentum, with Fox Nation announced as its exclusive broadcast partner. The first event was scheduled to take place on August 30, a date now shrouded in sadness. Despite Hogan's passing, sources close to the project have indicated that the promotion will move forward as a tribute to him. His son, Nick Hogan, was even seen checking in on his father's planned "Slam" bar in New York City, a 9,000-square-foot sports bar near Madison Square Garden that would serve as a hub for Real American Beer and a living tribute to Hogan's career.

3. The Unfinished Netflix Docuseries and Biopic

Hogan's final chapter was also poised to be documented for a new generation. Before his death, he had quietly been involved in a multi-part docuseries with Netflix.

• 20 Hours of Interviews: The project, helmed by director Bryan Storkel and produced by Words + Pictures, included more than 20 hours of new interviews with Hogan himself. This treasure trove of footage is now a powerful and poignant look into the mind of the wrestling icon in his final months. The documentary's future remains to be seen, but the existence of so much interview footage suggests the project may still be completed as a posthumous tribute.
• The Chris Hemsworth Biopic: Separately, there was the much-discussed but ultimately scrapped biopic with Chris Hemsworth slated to play Hogan. While the project had been in development for years, with a script written by Scott Silver (writer of Joker), it had reportedly fallen apart due to contractual issues. Hogan himself spoke about the project in a 2024 podcast, praising the script and Hemsworth's potential, but confirming that it was no longer moving forward. The final word on the biopic seems to be that it was shelved long before his death, with the creators stepping away from the project.

4. His Final Appearances and Health Concerns

In his final months, Hogan was a familiar face in the media, but his public appearances also raised concerns about his health.

• The Boos at Raw: In a highly publicized appearance on the debut episode of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, Hogan was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd. This was attributed by some to his vocal support for Donald Trump's political movement, showcasing a different side of the "Hulkster" persona to a polarized audience.
• A "Fox and Friends" Interview: Hogan's final television appearance in May on Fox and Friends to promote his new wrestling venture drew attention for a different reason. Viewers expressed worry about his physical condition, noting he appeared "unwell." He had recently undergone a neck surgery, and while his spokesperson said he was recovering well, his appearance sparked public concern.
• The Reality of His Health: While Hogan maintained a busy schedule, his death certificate listed the official cause as cardiac arrest, with a history of atrial fibrillation and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He had been quietly battling these health issues for years, a fact unknown to most until after his passing.

Hulk Hogan's death leaves a void that will never be filled. He was a force of nature, a pop culture icon, and a business titan whose legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come. The projects he was working on, from his beer brand to his new wrestling league and a documentary about his life, are a testament to a man who never stopped chasing his dreams. The Hulkster may be gone, but his spirit, his ventures, and his unforgettable legacy will forever run wild.

A Legacy That Will Forever Run Wild

The final months of Hulk Hogan's life were a masterclass in his unwavering spirit. Even as his physical health declined, the "Hulkster" never stopped hustling, creating, and believing in the power of his brand. He was a man who, until the very end, was building something bigger. His last projects from the all-American lager that embodied his persona to a revolutionary new wrestling promotion and a documentary poised to tell his life story were not just business ventures. They were extensions of his immortal legacy.

The new wrestling promotion, Real American Freestyle, will now continue as a poignant tribute to its co-founder. The "Slam" bar, set to open near Madison Square Garden, will serve as a physical monument to his career, a place where fans can gather to celebrate the man who made them believe in "Hulkamania." The Netflix docuseries, now an even more powerful piece of history, will offer a final, intimate look at the man behind the myth.

Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestler; he was an icon of Americana, a symbol of hope and power for millions of fans, and a relentless entrepreneur who never stopped trying to "put smiles on faces." His passing is a deep loss, but the projects he left behind ensure that his energy, his spirit, and his unforgettable legacy will forever "run wild." He may have left the ring for the last time, but his influence will never be pinned.

Sources:

Official sources for the blog include press releases from Real American Beer and Real American Freestyle, industry reports on the Netflix docuseries, Hulk Hogan's own podcast statements regarding the biopic, and official reports from the medical examiner's office concerning his passing.