On the latest episode of the “Grilling JR” podcast, co-host Conrad Thompson shared his detailed, first-hand account of attending the private funeral for the late Hulk Hogan. He described a “surreal, weird experience” that included a star-studded list of attendees and a memorable appearance by former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, while WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross offered his own thoughts on Hogan’s passing.
A Surreal Scene
Thompson, who was a guest at the service, described the high level of security and the unique atmosphere inside the Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida. “I can tell you how many dozens of police officers were there and they, I mean, they had to, like, make sure you were on the list before you got in the parking lot,” he said. “And then when you went to the front… they had to check you off a list… and it was just a crazy, surreal deal.”
He then painted a vivid picture of the eclectic mix of wrestling personalities and celebrities in attendance, which he compared to the famous cantina scene from Star Wars. “When I say kind of surreal, I mean, like I’m seated next to Jeff and Karen Jarrett. Right in front of me is Matt Riddle and his wife. Right behind me is Dory and Marty Funk,” Thompson recalled. “Just past Jeff is Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman. Behind them is Kevin Owens. Next to him is Bill Alfonso… Dennis Rodman’s, you know, up front, wailing by the casket, and Brian Nobbs is in the back, boohoo’ing.”
Vince McMahon’s Entrance
Thompson also detailed the memorable appearance of Vince McMahon, who gave a speech at the service. “And then out saunters Vince McMahon,” he said. “Everybody else went on to the stage from the front steps. Vince sort of came from stage left in the background, and it was a performance.” This was followed by a moment of levity from Paul “Triple H” Levesque, who followed McMahon. “When Triple H came up, he he said something along the lines of, ‘you think by now, I would have learned not to follow Vince McMahon.’ And everybody laughed, and he gave a really nice speech.”
Jim Ross, who did not attend the service, shared his thoughts on the official cause of Hogan’s death, which was listed as a heart attack. “I’ve often thought, when I hear guys that are… 71 young… that he died of a heart attack and I wasn’t aware… that he had heart issues,” Ross stated. “I often thought maybe he had sleep apnea. Big guys like that are subjected to it… he may have had undiagnosed sleep apnea. I don’t know that, but that’s what happened to Reggie White.” Ross explained how undiagnosed sleep apnea can lead to a heart attack and urged listeners to get checked if they experience symptoms.
A Somber and Final Day
Thompson reflected on the difficulty of the day and the finality of the moment for such a larger-than-life figure. “I don’t deal well with funerals and the finality of it,” he said. “And even a star the magnitude of Hulk Hogan… he’s probably one of the most top 10 famous people of our lifetime. And the idea that, you know, you do all of this, and you accomplish all this… and then two hours later, it’s like, ‘where are we going for dinner?’ It’s like, man, this is weird.”
The full, detailed conversation provides a unique and personal look inside the final farewell to one of the most iconic figures in entertainment history. The “Grilling JR” podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit AdFreeShows.com with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
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