In a surprising twist on the Hulk Hogan sex tape saga, one of Hulk’s best friends, Bubba “The Love Sponge,” has been revealed as the man behind the recording, which was done in 2006.

TMZ broke the story that at the end of the tape after Hogan leaves, Bubba is heard telling his then-wife Heather, “If we ever did want to retire, all we’d have to do is use this footage.”

Heather then tells Bubba that he’d “never do that,” regarding releasing the tape, at which point Bubba says, “I wouldn’t do that, you’d be the biggest rat, you’d be dead.”

Hogan was filmed having sex with Heather Clem – then girlfriend of Bubba – with his blessing, telling them at the start of the tape that he’ll be in the office if they need anything. The two got married but then divorced in 2011.

When the Hulkster called into TMZ Live and the folks at TMZ told him about it, Hogan said, “I’m sick to my stomach right now.” Bubba always denied to Hulk having any knowledge about the tape and said he was not aware there was a camera capturing all the X rated footage.

Hulk and Bubba have been longtime friends and Bubba also worked for TNA for a brief period thanks to Hulk Hogan. Hulk has been a frequent guest on his show and sports the Bubba Army t-shirt sometimes on television as well.