A seasoned New York hospitality expert’s ambitious venture — backed by a hefty $7 million investment — came dangerously close to collapsing alongside the health woes of Hulk Hogan.
However, sources reveal to Page Six that the legacy of the late wrestling icon is being championed by none other than his son, Nick Hogan, ensuring that his father’s ultimate vision reaches fans around the world.
Rich Rosen, a stalwart of New York’s vibrant nightlife scene, shared with Page Six in June 2025 his exuberant disbelief when Hulk Hogan decided to join forces with him for their project, Slam: a sprawling, three-story sports bar strategically located right across from Madison Square Garden. This iconic venue is synonymous with Hogan’s storied wrestling career and his rise to fame.
In our earlier report, we disclosed how Rosen seized an opportunity by attending an autograph signing event, where he bravely pitched his grand idea directly to the wrestling superstar.
“I essentially waited five hours in line just to get a brief moment with Hulk Hogan,” Rosen recalled to us. “I brought along an 8-by-11 glossy photo of Madison Square Garden, and our [storefront] was right there in the picture.” He recounted telling Hogan decisively, “This is my [storefront], that’s the Garden, and you are my new partner.”
But just as the multimillion-dollar launch was getting ready to rumble, tragedy struck: Hogan died of a heart attack that July at 71. Fans and investors were left wondering whether Slam would ever make it out of its corner for Round 1.
“When I got the news, I was devastated,” Rosen told Page Six a year later.
But Slam wasn’t ready to tap out.
Nick has stepped up to fulfill his father’s vision. “It wasn’t even a question,” Hulk’s kid told Page Six this week. “This was always happening. If anything, it has a greater purpose now than ever.”
After Hogan’s passing, Rosen appointed Nick vice president of American Sports Bar Entertainment, making him the public face of the brand.
A weeklong grand opening is planned for later this year, with Rosen and Nick promising a celebration worthy of the WWE legend.