Hulk Hogan Was Building His Own Bar. He Didn’t Live to See It Open.
Not long before his death, Hulk Hogan was in Midtown Manhattan doing what he did best: playing to a crowd, even if the venue was still under construction.
The wrestling icon had teamed up with nightlife veteran Richie Rosen to bring Slam, a multi-level, Hogan-themed bar, to life right across the street from Madison Square Garden, the venue that helped turn him into a legend. As AM New York notes, during a private walk-through of the space this past spring, Hogan posed for photos and shared stories about his earliest days under the bright lights of MSG. The bar was more than just a spot where he lent his name as a cash grab. He was involved—and he was damn proud of it.
From the ceiling (inspired by the Garden’s own) to the memorabilia-lined walls, the concept was meant to reflect Hogan’s larger-than-life career. There was a rooftop, custom beer on tap, and enough screen space to rewatch the body slam heard 'round the world. Slam was always meant to surpass the generic title of "bar," and more so as a a shrine to a man who helped define a generation of professional wrestling.
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“To be on the corner of 8th and 31st, right across from Madison Square Garden—it doesn’t get any bigger, brother,” Hogan said in a statement. “I love New York and can’t wait to see the fans in Manhattan.”
That appearance now takes on deeper meaning following news that Hogan died on July 24 at his home in Clearwater, Florida, after suffering a heart attack. He was 71.
For fans who grew up watching him tear down arenas and flex his way through interviews, Slam may be the last place Hogan visited that truly celebrated everything he built. Whether the project moves forward as planned, becomes a tribute space, or shifts entirely remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: his final months were spent not just reflecting on his legacy, but helping shape it for the next generation of fans.
Hulk Hogan helped turn wrestling into a global phenomenon. And now, just steps from where it all started, there's a bar waiting to tell that story.