What caused Hulk Hogan and Bubba the Love Sponge's rift? WWE legend's s*x tape controversy explored as old pal mourns his passing

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, in his home in Clearwater, Florida. TMZ reported that the cause of death is most likely cardiac arrest. Medics were called and rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, was 71 years old at the time of his passing.

DJ and internet personality Bubba the Love Sponge, whose real name is Todd Alan Clem, expressed his condolences while giving a statement to TMZ. He told the media outlet that he regretted not mending his friendship with the late wrestler. He claimed that he was responsible for the "rift" between the two of them.

"I'm heartbroken to hear of Terry's passing. As everyone knows we had our issues and those issues were mostly my fault. I loved him as a friend while he was with us, and will continue to love his memory as a friend going forward. I'm saddened that I will never be able to tell him how sorry I am for the way I handled things that created the rift between us," he said.

 

 

 

 

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Hulk Hogan and Bubba the Love Sponge were friends until 2012. When Bollea went on The Howard Stern Show, he claimed that he slept with Clem's wife, Heather Clem. Bollea stated that he had his friend's blessing.

Soon after, Gawker, a popular blog back then, posted the two's s*x tape. Bollea sued both his friend and the website. According to TMZ's July 24, 2025, report, the two reconciled, with Chem paying Bollea a $5,000 settlement and a public apology. However, Gawker was bankrupt after the judge ordered them to pay Hulk Hogan $140 million in damages.

It is worth noting that it was rumored that Chem recorded the s*x tape himself, and he agreed to the arrangement because his marriage was rocky. Heather reportedly wanted to sleep with other men, so they supposedly came to an agreement and recorded it. The couple were married from 2007 to 2011.

Last month, Bubba the Love Sponge shared on his podcast that Hulk Hogan was in a serious condition

On TheBubbaArmy podcast's June 18, 2025, episode, Bubba the Love Sponge claimed that he received information regarding the wrestler's health. The internet personality stated that Hulk Hogan's family members were supposedly informed of his condition, and they travelled to see him for the last time.

"If you did some sniffing around you might find him in a hospital. It's not good. I got some pretty reliable information last night that there are phone calls being made to various family members about getting to town to come say your goodbyes," he said.

Bubba the Love Sponge Who Let Hulk Hogan Bang His Wife is Saying Hogan is Dying… pic.twitter.com/vNykkAwrQM

— 𝕰𝖒𝕲 (@Emilio2763) June 18, 2025

When Bubba the Love Sponge's co-host asked if Bollea's team had contacted him, he jokingly replied he was the first person to receive the news. Soon after the podcast aired, rumors of Hulk Hogan being on his deathbed emerged.

Jimmy Hart, the wrestler's former manager, tweeted on July 22, 2025, claiming that he was fine and was doing karaoke.

"Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal! Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!" Hart wrote.

Hulk Hogan is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.