Brooke Hogan has opened up about her emotional journey on the hit HGTV show “Rock the Block,” describing the experience as a transformative and healing one following the death of her father, professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. In an exclusive preview of the upcoming episode scheduled to air on May 11, Brooke candidly reflects on their strained relationship and the challenges they faced prior to his passing.
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Speaking with host Ty Pennington, Brooke, who partnered with fellow designer Scott McGillivray on the renovation series, shares that her decision to participate in “Rock the Block” was made before her father’s passing. She revealed that this timing feels almost serendipitous, as the show has provided her with an opportunity for personal growth and reflection at a time of profound loss. “I think God works in mysterious ways because this has been really positive and healing for me,” the 38-year-old said, expressing her gratitude for the platform to rediscover herself.
Tragically, Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 on July 24, 2025, following a heart attack, had been estranged from Brooke for several years leading up to his death. Following his passing, Brooke took to Instagram to pay tribute, sharing poignant observations about their complicated relationship. “I felt a disconnect,” she wrote, reflecting on the difficulties that had arisen over time. “During the last two years, I had to step away to protect my heart.”
Despite the efforts of her husband, Steven Oleksy, to mend the relationship, reconciliation eluded them before Hulk’s demise. In the latest episode of “Rock the Block,” Brooke delves deeper into the nature of their conflict, recognising the emotional toll it had taken on her. “Our family has been through a lot, but no matter what we’ve been through, I love my dad,” she asserts during a confessional segment on the show.
Brooke recalls a particularly painful conversation with her father, where he expressed a sense of separation that resonated deeply with her. “He said something to the extent of like, ‘Well, I guess you have to live your life and I have to live mine.’ And it hurt,” she reflects, revealing the emotional weight of their unresolved issues. “I think the only reason why I’m not crying now is because I’m all cried out.”
Despite these challenges, Brooke is embracing her current experience as a “rebirth.” The opportunity to return to television and engage in creative projects has invigorated her spirit. “It’s cool to be back doing TV, doing artistic stuff, doing my design stuff and actually like being the real me,” she stated, emphasising her desire for authenticity.
Scott McGillivray, an experienced HGTV host and Brooke’s partner in the competition, echoes her sentiments, stating that their collaboration is a space where emotions can freely flow. “If you need to cry, if you need to laugh, or you need to be silly, this is the house you want to be in,” he tells Pennington, highlighting the supportive environment they have created together.
“Rock the Block” is known for its unique format, particularly in its seventh season, where celebrity participants team up with top HGTV designers to renovate identical homes with a budget of $275,000. Brooke and Scott have already achieved success in the competition, winning challenges in both the first and third episodes of the season. They are currently competing against a diverse array of teams, including reality TV stars from various backgrounds and formats.
The next episode, titled “Great Reasons To Be Mad,” is set to air on May 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV, with viewers eager to see how Brooke navigates her personal journey while facing the challenges of the competition. As she continues to embrace her artistic side and reconnect with herself, Brooke Hogan appears determined to honour her father’s legacy while creating a brighter path for her future.