On the latest episode of the “Grilling JR” podcast, co-host Conrad Thompson shared his personal account of attending the private funeral for the late Hulk Hogan. Describing it as a “surreal, weird experience,” Thompson highlighted the star-studded gathering and a memorable appearance by former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, while WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross shared his own thoughts on Hogan’s passing.

Thompson described the high level of security at the Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Florida, noting that attendees had to be on an exclusive list before entering. “I can tell you how many dozens of police officers were there and they, I mean, they had to, like, make sure you were on the list before you got in the parking lot,” he said. “And then when you went to the front… they had to check you off a list… and it was just a crazy, surreal deal.”

Thompson also detailed the eclectic mix of wrestling personalities and celebrities in attendance, which reminded him of the famous cantina scene from Star Wars. “When I say kind of surreal, I mean, like I’m seated next to Jeff and Karen Jarrett. Right in front of me is Matt Riddle and his wife. Right behind me is Dory and Marty Funk,” Thompson recalled. “Just past Jeff is Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman. Behind them is Kevin Owens. Next to him is Bill Alfonso… Dennis Rodman’s, you know, up front, wailing by the casket, and Brian Nobbs is in the back, boohoo’ing.”

Thompson also recounted Vince McMahon’s entrance, which was nothing short of theatrical. “And then out saunters Vince McMahon,” he said. “Everybody else went on to the stage from the front steps. Vince sort of came from stage left in the background, and it was a performance.” Triple H followed McMahon to the stage, delivering a moment of levity. “When Triple H came up, he said something along the lines of, ‘you think by now, I would have learned not to follow Vince McMahon.’ And everybody laughed, and he gave a really nice speech.”

Jim Ross, who did not attend the service, reflected on Hogan’s cause of death, which was attributed to a heart attack. “I’ve often thought, when I hear guys that are… 71 young… that he died of a heart attack and I wasn’t aware… that he had heart issues,” Ross said. “I often thought maybe he had sleep apnea. Big guys like that are subjected to it… he may have had undiagnosed sleep apnea. I don’t know that, but that’s what happened to Reggie White.” Ross explained how undiagnosed sleep apnea could contribute to a heart attack, urging listeners to get checked if they experience symptoms.

Thompson also reflected on the emotional weight of the day and the finality of it all. “I don’t deal well with funerals and the finality of it,” he admitted. “And even a star the magnitude of Hulk Hogan… he’s probably one of the most top 10 famous people of our lifetime. And the idea that, you know, you do all of this, and you accomplish all this… and then two hours later, it’s like, ‘where are we going for dinner?’ It’s like, man, this is weird.”

Thompson’s vivid recollections offer a rare, personal glimpse into the emotional farewell for one of the biggest icons in entertainment.