Mike ‘The Miz’ Posts Detailed Tribute to ‘Larger-Than-Life’ Hulk Hogan

Let’s get real: there are legends, and then there’s Hulk Hogan. Following Hogan’s passing on July 24, 2025, tributes poured in from every corner of the wrestling world; but Mike Mizanin, a.k.a. The Miz took it one step further, posting a deeply personal and poetic message on Instagram that reads more like a love letter to a childhood hero turned real-life mentor.

He Was Bigger Than Wrestling

“When I was a kid, I ate my vitamins and said my prayers because Hulk Hogan told me to,” The Miz wrote, echoing the chant a generation grew up on. It wasn’t just nostalgia… it was admiration. He described Hogan as a “larger-than-life presence” who taught him how to be bold, loud, and confident. The voice. The flex. The swagger. Hogan wasn’t just a performer; he was an ideal.

But what makes this tribute hit harder is how it bridges fantasy and reality. Miz shared that when he first stepped into WWE after MTV’s “The Real World,” Hogan didn’t just acknowledge him; he talked to him. “Tell me about that reality show you were on,” Hogan said, sparking a 30-minute conversation that left Miz stunned. “Did that really just happen?” he wrote.

And yeah, a year later “Hogan Knows Best” premiered. Coincidence? Maybe. But Miz can’t help but wonder if that conversation planted a seed.

Moments That Meant Everything

From there, it wasn’t a one-time thing. Miz recalled that every time they crossed paths, Hogan treated him with kindness and respect. Compliments. Encouragement. A level of generosity that left a lasting impact. “Coming from him, that meant everything,” Miz said… and you believe him.

The post, which included a couple of photos of Miz and Hogan together, wrapped with a few lines that feel like a mic drop for the soul:

 “Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan. Thank you for the time, the words, and the impact, brother. You were larger than life and somehow, even bigger in person.”

It’s a perfect summation; not just of Hulk Hogan (the icon), but Terry Bollea (the man behind the persona). For Miz, Hogan wasn’t just the reason he laced up his boots. He was a guiding voice, a hype man, and maybe even a quiet catalyst for Miz’s rise from MTV personality to WWE main-eventer.

As tributes go, this one didn’t need fireworks. It had heart, humility, and just enough “brother” to make you smile through the tears.