New York – In a moment that surprised both fans and co-hosts alike, longtime “The View” co-host Joy Behar took a break from politics and celebrity chatter to deliver a heartfelt and deeply personal tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away earlier this week at age 71.

Most viewers never knew the two shared any kind of connection — but according to Behar, their bond ran deeper than many realized, and was filled with late-night calls, unlikely friendship, and a secret promise she’s now left to carry alone.

“We used to fight on TV,” Behar said with a soft laugh, referring to a fiery 2012 interview where she clashed with Hogan over reality TV and masculinity.
“But off-camera? He was a softie with a big heart. A giant in more ways than one.”

An Unlikely Connection

The tribute came during a segment on “The View” reflecting on iconic figures the world had lost this year. When Hogan’s image appeared on screen, Behar paused, visibly emotional.

“After that wild interview we did, he called me later that night. I thought he was going to chew me out. Instead, he said, ‘You’re tough — I like that. Reminds me of my mom.’”

The audience laughed, but Behar’s tone quickly turned serious.

“From that point on, we actually became friends. We talked every few weeks — usually late at night. I was a night owl, and so was he. We didn’t talk about wrestling or politics. We talked about life. About getting old. About regret. About wanting to be remembered for more than just the show.”

A Secret Promise, Now Broken

One of the most surprising revelations came when Behar shared that Hogan once made her promise to deliver a joke at his funeral — something that captured both their personalities.

“He said, ‘Joy, when I go, don’t let it get too sad. Say something to make people laugh. Tell them I hated leg day.’”
“I promised I would. But I wasn’t invited to speak. So here I am, doing it on air.”

The View’s studio audience was silent, then burst into applause as Behar wiped away a tear.

“He was silly, sentimental, and stubborn as hell. But I’m going to miss those weird little 1 a.m. voicemails. They were always something like, ‘Hey Joy, just checking if you’re still up… I can’t sleep thinking about old matches and my bad knees.’”

Fans React: “I Never Knew…”

Social media quickly erupted with reactions to Behar’s tribute, with many users expressing shock at the unexpected bond between two public figures from such different worlds.

“Wait—Joy Behar and Hulk Hogan were FRIENDS?? This is the most random and heartwarming thing I’ve heard all year,” one fan wrote.

“I never thought I’d tear up watching ‘The View,’ but here we are,” posted another.

The hashtag #JoyAndHogan began trending within hours, with fans sharing clips of the tribute and remembering Hogan not just as a wrestling icon, but as a complex, deeply human figure behind the bandana and bravado.

A Final Farewell

In her closing words, Behar looked into the camera with a soft smile.

“I kept your secret, Hulk. And I kept your promise. Just wish you were here to laugh at your own eulogy.”

As the segment faded out, producers played a short clip of Hogan and Behar laughing on set years ago — a reminder of the unlikely, beautiful friendship that existed when the cameras stopped rolling.

Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan.
And thank you, Joy, for showing us the man behind the legend.