Before the late wrestling icon Hulk Hogan passed away, the former WWE superstar was planning a massive new business venture in New York City.
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Right across from the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, the "Hulkster" was planning to build Slam, a massive three-story sports bar complex.
Rich Rosen, a longtime New York nightlife expert, pitched the idea to Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, during an autograph signing session in June 2025, according to Page Six.
"I basically waited five hours in line to get two seconds with Hulk Hogan," Rosen said. "I came with an 8-by-11 glossy picture of Madison Square Garden, and in the picture is our [storefront]." He said he told Hogan, "That's my [storefront], that's the Garden and you're my new partner."
Initially, the bar was set to open as "Scores Sports Bar," but Hogan changed everything during a site visit.
"He called me the next morning and said, 'If you put my name on this, this will be the biggest tourist attraction in New York,'" Rosen recalled.
Hulk Hogan's Son Helps Rescue His Father's Sports Bar
Tragically, Hulk Hogan died of a heart attack in July 2025, one month after Rosen pitched the idea to the famous wrestler. The concept of Slam and its near $7 million investment nearly died along with the wrestling icon.
"When I got the news, I was devastated," Rosen told Page Six.
However, the project found new life when Hogan's son, Nick, agreed to complete the bar in his father's honor.
"It wasn't even a question," he told Page Six this week. "This was always happening. If anything, it has a greater purpose now than ever."
A week-long grand opening for the wrestling-themed sports bar is scheduled for later this year.
During his heyday in WWE, Hulk Hogan helped make Madison Square Garden famous.
The 12-time World Champion won the first of five WWF World Heavyweight Championship reigns in 1984 at MSG.
Hogan also competed in the main event match of the inaugural WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, at Madison Square Garden. The near 30-minute match featured boxer Muhammad Ali as the guest referee. Former Yankees manager Billy Martin was the ring announcer.
Now, Hogan's legacy will carry on in New York City through his massive, wrestling-themed sports bar.
