The Netflix docuseries Hulk Hogan: Real American reveals that U.S. President Donald Trump briefly paused a high-level diplomatic engagement to record an interview about late wrestling icon Hulk Hogan.
The moment appears in Episode 2, “Hulkamania,” which explores Hogan’s rise as a driving force behind professional wrestling’s crossover into mainstream entertainment. During filming, Trump acknowledged the unusual timing, saying, “So, you go ahead, if you’re ready. I have a big Russia meeting going on, so…”
The interview was conducted at the White House after Hogan personally reached out to Trump before his passing in July 2025. According to the production team, the appearance was arranged directly and became a key part of the series’ effort to highlight voices closely connected to Hogan’s career and lasting influence.
Trump reflected on how their relationship developed over the years. “Somehow, I became friendly with Hulk over there, the Hulkster. He’s a good man. He’s just a nice guy. He asked me, ‘Would you do this interview?’ I said, ‘Why not?’ Here we are in the White House,” he said.
He continued, “I’ve seen him numerous times. I’ve watched him wrestle numerous times. We sort of had a good relationship early on. It was a good chemistry. He’s just a big, strong guy whose got a good heart. He’s a very loyal person.”
The series also features Hogan’s own perspective on Trump. “It was amazing to watch this guy work. I’d heard a lot about him, but this was the first time I ever saw him in action, in person.”
“I have a big Russia meeting going on”
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) April 22, 2026
THIS MAN DONALD TRUMP STOPPED HIS MEETING TO SPEAK ON THE HULK HOGAN DOCUMENTARY 😭
(The Real American Hulk Hogan) pic.twitter.com/F4AXuABYX1
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Directed by Bryan Storkel, the project offers a comprehensive look at Hulk Hogan’s legacy, exploring both his cultural impact and his public support for Donald Trump during the 2025 campaign. Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, following a heart attack.
The series, which premiered on April 22, also features what is described as Hogan’s final major interview, adding a poignant layer to its retrospective on one of professional wrestling’s most influential figures.
How Trump Plaza Became The Foundation For The Trump-Hogan Friendship
Donald Trump’s association with Hulk Hogan dates back to the late 1980s, when he owned Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. The venue hosted WrestleMania IV and WrestleMania V, key events during wrestling’s national expansion.
Following the success of WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome, WWE moved toward smaller yet high-visibility venues. Trump Plaza was selected for its scale and promotional reach, with Trump playing an active role in marketing and hosting duties.
WrestleMania IV featured a tournament for the vacant world championship, won by Randy Savage. The following year, WrestleMania V centered on Hogan facing Savage in a headline match that drew significant mainstream attention.
Trump attended the events and helped elevate their profile as crossover entertainment. Under Vince McMahon, WWE was expanding nationally, and partnerships with figures like Trump contributed to its visibility.
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The connection between Trump and Hogan grew during this period and continued over decades. The docuseries presents their relationship as part of a broader intersection of sports, business, and public life.
