You’ve seen the memes. You probably remember that weird afternoon back in 2018 when Hulk Hogan accidentally told the entire world that Bam Margera was dead. It was one of those "wait, what?" moments that only the internet can produce. Hogan tweeted a photo of them together, offering a heartfelt "rest in peace" to a guy who was, at that very moment, probably just hanging out in Pennsylvania.
He’d actually confused Bam with Ryan Dunn, the Jackass star who tragically passed away in 2011. It was a classic "Hulkism"—the kind of mix-up that turned into a digital punchline for years. But honestly? If you stop the story there, you’re missing the actual point.
The real story of Hulk Hogan and Bam Margera isn't just about a deleted tweet or a celebrity blunder. It’s a weirdly touching narrative of two guys who survived the absolute meat-grinder of early 2000s fame and somehow found each other on the other side.
The Winter in Clearwater That Changed Everything
Fast forward to the winter of 2024 and 2025. While most people still thought of their "relationship" as just a Twitter mistake, Bam and Hulk were actually becoming incredibly close. Bam moved down to Florida, specifically to Clearwater, where Hogan is basically the unofficial mayor.
It wasn't just a vacation.
Bam has been very open about his fight for sobriety, and it turns out the Hulkster was a huge part of his support system during that time. They weren't just "celebrity friends" doing red carpets. They were doing the most normal, boring stuff imaginable. We're talking karaoke nights at Hogan’s Hangout. We're talking about Bam’s wife, Dannii Marie, providing stretch therapy for Hulk, who, let’s be real, has a body held together by sheer willpower and surgical steel after decades in the ring.
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Bam even took Hulk to see Yngwie Malmsteen. Think about that for a second. The guy who defined 80s wrestling and the guy who defined 2000s skate culture standing in a crowd together watching a Swedish guitar legend. That was a "bucket list" moment for Hogan, and Bam was the one who made it happen.
A Friendship Built on Survival
Why did they click? Maybe it’s because they both know what it’s like to be the biggest thing on the planet and then have it all go sideways.
Hogan had his scandals and his health scares. Bam had a very public, very painful decade of legal trouble and addiction. When they linked up in Florida, they weren't the "Hulkster" and the "Jackass." They were just two guys trying to stay healthy.
Bam was even a guest at Nick Hogan’s wedding in January 2025. That’s not "PR friendship" territory. That’s "you’re part of the family" territory. It’s kinda wild to think that the guy Hogan once accidentally eulogized ended up being one of the people he spent his final months with.
The Shocking Loss of a Legend
The world was hit with some heavy news in July 2025. Within the span of a single week, we lost both Ozzy Osbourne and then, just two days later, Hulk Hogan.
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Hogan passed away at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater. It was sudden. It was shocking. For Bam, it was devastating. He had literally just been with the guy. He and Dannii actually had dinner plans with Hulk for the following week.
Bam went on Instagram and shared a photo of a cloud formation over the funeral at Indian Rocks Baptist Church. He claimed the cloud looked exactly like Hulk’s signature pose—arm up, finger pointing to the sky. People on Reddit and Twitter debated if it was real or photoshopped, but for Bam, it didn't matter. It was a sign.
What Most People Don't Know About Hulk
In his tributes, Bam shared something about Hogan that most casual fans never knew. Before Terry Bollea was Hulk Hogan, he was a professional musician. He was an incredible bass player who played in studio sessions and toured in bands.
That shared love for music—from karaoke to Malmsteen—was the glue of their friendship. Bam mentioned how much he’d miss that specific side of Hulk, the one that didn't involve the red and yellow spandex.
Why This Relationship Actually Matters
It’s easy to dismiss celebrity friendships as "content," but the bond between Hulk Hogan and Bam Margera was a reminder that people can change their own narratives.
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- Sobriety is a team sport: Bam’s time in Florida with Hogan coincided with one of his healthiest stretches in years. Having a mentor who has seen the top and the bottom helps.
- Forgiveness is real: They turned a viral embarrassment (the "dead" tweet) into a genuine brotherhood.
- Legacy is complicated: Hogan’s death left a massive hole in pop culture, but Bam’s stories gave us a glimpse of Terry Bollea the human, not just the icon.
What to Take Away From Their Story
If you’re following Bam’s journey or just a fan of wrestling history, there are some pretty clear lessons here. First, don't believe every meme you see; the "Hulk thinks Bam is dead" joke was old news by the time they were actually best friends.
Second, the environment you put yourself in matters. Bam moving to Florida to be around a stable, supportive group was a massive win for his recovery.
If you want to support the legacy of these icons or Bam's ongoing recovery, the best thing you can do is keep the conversation focused on the work. Check out Bam’s recent skating clips—the guy is still incredible on a board. Look into the charities Hogan supported in Clearwater. Most importantly, remember that even the people we think are invincible are just looking for a bit of connection at the end of the day.
Practical Steps for Fans:
- Follow the Real Story: Stick to Bam’s official social media for updates on his sobriety and skating projects; avoid the gossip tabloids that thrive on his "down" moments.
- Support the Music: Check out some of the early 70s Florida rock bands Hogan was rumored to have played with to see a different side of the legend.
- Check in on Friends: If there's one thing the sudden passing of Hogan taught Bam, it's that plans for "next week" aren't guaranteed. Reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while.