From Heartbreak to Honor: How Nick Hogan Saved His Father's $7 Million NYC Sports Bar Dream

Rich Rosen’s pitch is the stuff of legend. He waited five hours at an autograph signing with nothing but an 8-by-11 glossy picture of a Madison Square Garden storefront to show Hulk Hogan his vision for Slam, a three-story sports bar and entertainment venue. When Hogan looked at that picture and said,“That’s my new partner,”seven million dollars and a dream partnership were born. For years, Rosen had dreamed of this moment, and Hulk Hogan’s endorsement made it real. The project was set to launch in 2025, marking one of the most ambitious sports bar concepts New York City had ever seen.

Then tragedy struck. Hulk Hogan passed away from a heart attack in July 2025 at the age of 71, just as Slam was beginning to take shape. The wrestling legend never got to see his final major business venture come to life. Many wondered if the project would survive without Hogan’s name and presence attached to it. But Nick Hogan, the Hulkster’s son, answered that question with quiet determination. He stepped into the role of vice president for American Sports Bar Entertainment and became the public face of Slam, transforming his grief into purpose. Nick has said that finishing his father’s vision was never a question, and if anything, the project now carries even deeper meaning as a legacy to honor.

Slam is scheduled to open its doors later in 2026, and it’s shaping up to be a remarkable tribute to the Hulkster’s final dream. What’s your favorite sports bar memory, and would you visit a legendary venue like this if you had the chance?