The emotional statement was made just hours after Hogan’s passing, sending shockwaves across social media.

“He wasn’t just a legend in the ring—he was my true friend,” Musk declared. “The world saw him as a warrior, but I knew the man behind the legend—kind, wise, and fiercely loyal. Covering his final journey is the least I can do.”

The timing of Musk’s tribute couldn’t be more dramatic. As the Tesla Pi phone continues to face global scrutiny over its delayed rollout and unexpected security concerns, many expected Musk to remain laser-focused on damage control.

Instead, he paused everything.

According to sources close to the Musk family, Elon was “visibly shaken” upon hearing the news of Hogan’s death. Insiders claim the two had a long-standing friendship that began after a surprise backstage meeting at a charity event in 2016. What started as fan admiration blossomed into a quiet but strong bond.

While some critics accuse Musk of making a publicity move amid the Tesla chaos, those close to him insist this gesture is deeply personal and has nothing to do with business.

“It’s not about the headlines,” one SpaceX engineer tweeted. “It’s about honoring someone who meant something real to him.”

The public, however, seems overwhelmingly supportive. A wave of emotional reactions flooded X (formerly Twitter), with hashtags like #HulkForever and #ThankYouElon trending within minutes.

One user summed it up best:

“Elon Musk paying for Hulk Hogan’s funeral while dealing with global tech backlash? That’s not PR. That’s friendship.”

As the world prepares to say goodbye to one of wrestling’s greatest icons, Musk’s touching gesture reminds us all that beneath the billionaire persona lies something much more human: loyalty, grief, and the quiet strength of true friendship.