The estate of professional wrestling icon Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea has unveiled unexpected details regarding the distribution of his assets following his death in July at age 75, court documents filed this week reveal.
In a move that has surprised many within wrestling circles, Hogan designated his 35-year-old son Nick as the sole beneficiary of his estimated $5 million estate, conspicuously omitting his daughter Brooke from any inheritance consideration, according to probate filings reported by US Weekly.
Nick Hogan submitted legal paperwork on Tuesday requesting appointment as co-personal representative of his father’s estate alongside Terry McCoy, marking the formal beginning of what appears to be a complex probate process for one of wrestling’s most recognizable figures.
The documents provide insight into Hogan’s estate planning over his final years, showing the wrestling superstar first drafted his will in 2016 before making subsequent revisions in 2017, 2021, 2022, and a final version completed in July 2023—just two years before his passing.
The filing details a surprisingly modest estate for a performer of Hogan’s stature, totaling approximately $5 million in declared assets. The breakdown includes $799,000 in personal and intellectual property, $200,000 in cryptocurrency holdings, and perhaps most significantly, his right to publicity valued at $4 million—reflecting the enduring commercial value of the Hulkster brand decades after his peak fame.
Notably absent from the estate valuation are Hogan’s two adjacent Florida properties, estimated at $11 million. Legal experts suggest these high-value real estate holdings may be protected within a trust structure or limited liability company, a common estate planning strategy among high-net-worth individuals.
The estate also references an unspecified potential medical malpractice claim, connected to the neck surgery Hogan underwent in May. His widow, Sky Daily, who is recognized as a surviving spouse in the documents, has reportedly indicated plans to pursue legal action against the medical team, alleging improper surgical procedures contributed to complications.
The decision to exclude daughter Brooke Hogan from the inheritance has raised questions about family relationships in the wrestler’s final years. While no public explanation has been provided for this choice, estate law experts note that such decisions often reflect complex family dynamics not visible to the public.
Nick’s appointment as estate representative comes amid his own legal battles, including recent action against his father’s former associate, Todd “Bubba the Love Sponge” Clem, to prevent the release of a documentary titled “Video Killed The Radio Star: The Untold Story Of The Hulk Hogan Sex Tape Scandal.”
The estate proceedings highlight the ongoing challenges facing celebrity estates in managing both traditional assets and modern digital properties, including cryptocurrency holdings and publicity rights that continue generating revenue posthumously.
Hogan’s death in July marked the end of an era for professional wrestling. Rising to fame in the 1980s as the face of WWE’s national expansion, the performer born Terry Bollea became synonymous with American wrestling entertainment, headlining multiple WrestleMania events and crossing over into mainstream Hollywood success.
The probate process is expected to continue over the coming months as estate representatives work through the complex asset portfolio and address any challenges that may arise regarding the inheritance structure.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who died in July 2025 at age 75, left his entire $5 million estate to his son Nick while completely excluding his daughter Brooke from any inheritance. The estate includes $4 million in publicity rights and cryptocurrency holdings but notably excludes his $11 million Florida properties, which likely exist in separate trusts. The family now faces potential medical malpractice litigation related to Hogan’s final neck surgery.
