The spectacle of wrestling, the glitter of award shows, and the silence of remembrance rarely intersect. Yet this year, the Emmy Awards brought these worlds together in unexpected controversy. The absence of Hulk Hogan from a tribute meant to honor departed figures became glaring. His name sparked debate not only among fans but also through the sharp remarks of his former partner.

When the spotlight turned somber, Linda Hogan made sure the silence around Hulk Hogan was anything but quiet.

Linda Hogan criticized the Academy after the Emmy Awards excluded Hulk Hogan from the In Memoriam segment of the Awards. Hogan, who passed earlier in 2025, was left out of the tribute, raising eyebrows across wrestling and entertainment circles. Linda Hogan called the omission disrespectful as she spoke to Entertainment Weekly, emphasizing that Hogan was "at the top of the hour when he came on to wrestle...had the highest ratings on NBC, beating all other competition for that time slot for years!" She asserted that "they should have named him!!"

Expanding on her criticism to Entertainment Weekly, Linda Hogan argued that her late ex-husband bridged wrestling and television in unforgettable ways, from reality programming to mainstream appearances. While there is no proof to back the claim, Linda took her shot, suggesting that politics and internal preferences within the Academy shaped this year’s tribute, leaving Hogan out intentionally. According to Linda, such selective decisions ignored his global impact as an entertainer whose charisma helped define a generation’s viewing habits. Fans online quickly amplified her frustrations, venting over what they saw as an avoidable slight.

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The Emmy stage may honor legends, but this year’s tribute reminded audiences that memory itself can be just as selective as applause.

The In Memoriam moment, a centerpiece of the Emmy Awards, has long drawn scrutiny for exclusions. Celebrated actors and creators were remembered during this year’s telecast, yet Hulk Hogan’s omission was unmistakable. Linda Hogan claimed the decision highlighted deeper problems in how the Academy defines cultural worth, also considering the way he was received on his last appearance at the rings. Observers noted this was not the first time a high-profile name was skipped, fueling speculation that the process behind the tributes is less about inclusivity than image.

For the Emmy Awards, the debate lingers well beyond applause and trophies. To Hogan’s admirers, the absence felt like erasure, denying recognition of his influence and career. For Linda Hogan, the matter has become more than a personal grievance, but also a reflection on selective memory in Hollywood. The omission reignited questions about how institutions decide which legacies endure, and whether fame outside of traditional acting circles will ever be fairly celebrated.

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What do you think of Hulk Hogan's blatant exclusion from the Emmys In Memoriam despite his popularity? Let us know in the comments below!