Hulk Hogan's Final Interview Captured in 'Real American' Documentary

The wrestling legend's last sit-down included a surprise call from President Trump.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a worn, weathered wrestling headband, capturing the texture and material in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to represent the iconic legacy of Hulk Hogan.The documentary 'Hulk Hogan: Real American' provides an intimate look at the wrestling legend's final days and his enduring connection with his devoted fans.NYC Today

In 2025, Hulk Hogan filmed a documentary about his life, which became his final interview before his unexpected death in July of that year at age 71. The director of 'Hulk Hogan: Real American' revealed that the film included a surreal presidential sit-down with then-President Trump, who called Hogan during filming to thank him for speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Why it matters

Hogan's close relationship with Trump, dating back to the 1980s, was a controversial aspect of the wrestling legend's legacy. The documentary provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at their personal connection and Hogan's enduring popularity with his 'Hulkamaniacs' fans.

The details

Director Bryan Storkel said Hogan simply called Trump while they were filming and the president agreed to a 20-minute interview, even as he was dealing with matters related to Russia. The documentary also captures Hogan's devotion to his fans, including a touching moment where he comforted a wheelchair-bound supporter. Storkel filmed over 25 hours of Hogan, who detailed his extensive use of fentanyl to manage the pain from 35 years of wrestling.

  • In 2025, Hogan filmed the documentary 'Hulk Hogan: Real American'.
  • On July 24, 2025, Hogan died unexpectedly at age 71 from a heart attack.
  • The documentary's cameras were the only ones allowed at Hogan's funeral.

The players

Hulk Hogan

The professional wrestling legend, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was the subject of the documentary 'Hulk Hogan: Real American'.

President Trump

The former president of the United States, who had a long-standing relationship with Hogan dating back to the 1980s, was interviewed for the documentary.

Bryan Storkel

The director of 'Hulk Hogan: Real American', who filmed over 25 hours of footage with the wrestling icon.

Vince McMahon

The co-founder of WWE, who suggested mourners give Hogan a final standing ovation at his funeral.

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What they’re saying

“It was clear [Hogan] had a relationship with Trump . . . at one point I was like, 'Yeah, we should get Trump.' And he was like, 'Well, let me call him right now.' And he just dialed him.”

— Bryan Storkel, Director, 'Hulk Hogan: Real American'

“The same day, he's in the other room dealing with Putin. . . . He's like, 'Yeah, I gotta get back to Russia.'”

— Bryan Storkel, Director, 'Hulk Hogan: Real American'

“Just seeing his reaction to Trump's voicemail as he's listening to it, you can tell he's proud of it. It also just shows how close their relationship was, whether you love that or hate that, it was there.”

— Bryan Storkel, Director, 'Hulk Hogan: Real American'

What’s next

The 'Hulk Hogan: Real American' documentary will premiere on Netflix on April 22, 2026, providing fans with a rare behind-the-scenes look at the wrestling legend's life and final days.

The takeaway

Hogan's close relationship with President Trump and his unwavering devotion to his 'Hulkamaniacs' fans are central themes explored in this intimate documentary, which captures the wrestling icon's final interview and the emotional farewell at his funeral.