“The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart has shared his memories of his close friend, the late, great Hulk Hogan. In a new, emotional interview, the WWE Hall of Fame manager reflected on their decades-long friendship and the suddenness of Hogan’s passing last week.
Hogan passed away on July 24th at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest. Speaking with PEOPLE magazine, Hart painted a vivid picture of his friend’s incredible fame and his deep love for the wrestling business.
“Like Traveling With Elvis Presley”
Jimmy Hart was a constant presence in Hulk Hogan’s life, both as his on-screen manager in WCW and as one of his closest friends for decades. He recalled what it was like to be with “The Hulkster” at the peak of his popularity.
“It was like traveling with Elvis Presley,” Hart recalled. “It was just unbelievable. The fans just came out of the woodwork for Hulk. I mean, no matter where we went, it was insane.”
This fan hysteria, known as “Hulkamania,” was a global phenomenon in the 1980s and 90s. Hart was by Hogan’s side for much of it, including Hogan’s final WWE appearance on the January 6, 2025, episode of Raw.
One More Interview With “Mean” Gene
Hart shared a touching and poignant vision of Hogan being reunited with other departed legends in the afterlife. He found comfort in the idea of Hogan being free of the physical pain that plagued him in his later years.
“Hulk loved this business more than anything,” Hart said. “Now he’s happy because he’s free of pain where he’s going. And then once he’s where he’s going, up there in heaven, he’s going to be with all his friends. He’s going to be with Andre the Giant. He’s going to be with The Wild Samoans, Sika and Afa. He’s going to be with Dusty Rhodes, who was his mentor. He’s going to be with Randy Savage, who he and Hulk, they were so tight back in the day down in Tampa, and so many more of our people.”
Hart also imagined Hogan having one final, classic interview with his iconic backstage foil. “He’s gonna have one more interview with Mean Gene where he can come out and say, ‘You know, Mean Gene, whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania and all the little Hulkamaniacs run wild on you?’“
A Shocking End
Hart also revealed just how sudden Hogan’s passing was, even to those in his inner circle. He explained that he had checked in on Hogan the night before he passed away and was told that he was doing well.
“I called [Hogan] on Wednesday night, and then Thursday morning is when everything took place,” Hart told PEOPLE. “So just…just overnight it all happened, but it was so positive the day before.”
Hart’s loving tribute provides a beautiful and personal perspective on the loss of his best friend. His memories paint a picture of a man who loved the business more than anything, was adored by his fans, and whose sudden passing has left a massive void in the hearts of those closest to him.
