Don’t worry, Hulkamaniacs: you will have a place to pilgrimage and celebrate the life and legacy of Hulk Hogan. The controversial sports entertainment figure died Thursday at the age of 71, sending ripples throughout the pro-wrestling world.
Many paid tribute to the WWF/WWE figure, while others noted the scandals and tragedies that came to define the latter half of his life.
Somewhere in between the mourning and think pieces about the man born Terry Bollea was the memory that, one month earlier, there were reports that he’d planned to open a $7 million, 9,000 square-foot bar across from Madison Square Garden. Did the Hulkster’s death bodyslam this project, or was it going to kick out at 2?
Hulk Hogan’s NYC Bar Still Opening, Despite Wrestler’s Death
Page Six was the first to report that Hogan was opening up a lavish bar/shrine to his accomplishments in the squared circle. And, the outlet reported on July 25 that the bar, called Slam, was still on, despite Hogan's death just a day before.
“Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a partner. He was a dear friend and a legend whose impact on sports and entertainment is immeasurable. From the very beginning, Hulk poured his heart into this project,” said New York nightlife veteran/investor Rich Rosen, who owns the spot of the soon-to-be bar. He said he made a promise to Hogan before his death that he’d “bring this dream” to life.
Rosen added that the bar will be “where fans from around the world could gather at the very corner where his legend began, to celebrate his legacy and the unforgettable moments that defined his career.”
Hogan wouldn’t have direct ownership of the bar; his involvement was more of a licensing deal, with the bar securing his name and likeness.
The WWE legend had a bar in Clearwater, Florida—Hogan’s Hangout—and he famously attempted to launch Hulk Hogan’s Pastamania in Minnesota’s Mall of America.
Slam will reportedly be opposite MSG at 461 8th Avenue. It plans to have a window wall facing the arena. Slam will reportedly be outfitted to look like the inside of MSG, with a Jumbotron and screens replaying Hogan’s greatest moments at MSG. The bar will also serve Hogan’s beer brand, Real American Beer.
Speaking of which, Business Insider reported that Real American Beer was in talks to acquire the entire Hooters chain. The restaurant filed for bankruptcy in March. Real America Beer’s CEO, Terri Frances, told BI that the brand was “fully committed to protecting and revitalizing” the Hooters brand.
However, two things stand in that way: US liquor laws prevent alcohol brands from owning restaurants, so Real American Beer would need to find another entity to own the physical Hooters locations; and on the day of Hogan’s death, NewsNation reported that Carma HoldCo, a global licensing firm, filed a $10 million lawsuit alleging that two former employees stole the concept for Real American Beer.
Carma HoldCo claims that they entered an agreement with Hogan in 2023 to act as a brand ambassador and began developing the “Real American” beer.
Hogan launched the beer in June 2024, and it’s not available in 20 states. Carma HoldCo alleges that the two former employees took the business plans and designs to form their own partnership with Hogan, claiming that this constituted a violation of state and federal trade secrets. They’re seeking $10 million in damages.