Hulk Hogan stands out as one of the most recognizable names in the world of professional wrestling, especially under the WWE banner. As the foremost megastar from Vince McMahon Jr.’s era following his takeover of the company, Hogan’s legacy remains closely tied to the sport, even years after his retirement. It’s a rare occasion when someone, whether a die-hard wrestling fan or a mere casual observer, doesn’t recognize the icon that is Hulk Hogan.
Once celebrated as the face of wrestling in the 1980s, Hogan’s recent appearance during the 2025 Netflix premiere of Monday Night Raw shifted from beloved hero to a figure of resentment. Fans expressed their displeasure with a chorus of boos during his brief cameo in Los Angeles, alongside other wrestling legends like The Rock and The Undertaker. The increasingly harsh reactions were further fueled by Hogan’s promotional push for his Real American Beer brand, raising questions about his role and relevance in the current wrestling landscape.
Hulk Hogan Welcomed by Boos at RAW’s Netflix Premiere
One of Hulkamania’s Darkest Modern Days
Hogan’s status as a beloved figure has undeniably declined. While some fans speculate that political affiliations, particularly his connections with Donald Trump’s campaigns, may have colored the crowd’s response, the reactions remain complicated. The Undertaker, with his own political ties, received a warm welcome, contrasting with Hogan’s treatment. Commentary from fans on social media has surfaced, suggesting that opinions on Hogan transcend simplistic political binaries:
“I don’t think political leanings had that much to do with [Hulk Hogan getting booed] because just a few moments earlier, the Undertaker comes out on his motorcycle and nobody seemed to boo him.” @Kazeem breaks down the crowd’s reaction to Hulk Hogan on Raw. pic.twitter.com/ynVIwtsRRH — Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 7, 2025
“Hogan got booed because he was in a liberal city. He gets booed everywhere. Undertaker is MAGA and he got cheered last night. Cling to all the cope you want, live evidence shows that modern wrestling fans simply do not.” — Ibou, of WrestlePurists (@BackupHangman) January 7, 2025
The debate surrounding Hogan’s reception could also include his notorious past, particularly stemming from the 2007 sex tape scandal that led to a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker. Despite a subsequent $31 million settlement in 2013 for invasion of privacy, the video—including his use of racial slurs—continued to haunt his career and reputation. Even after winning a lawsuit against Gawker in 2016 for leaking those sealed documents, Hogan’s standing in the eyes of fans, especially among minority groups, remains critically damaged.
Fans Won’t Forget Hogan’s Controversial Legacy
Aftermath of the Scandal and Ongoing Controversies
Following the dissemination of his racially charged comments, WWE swiftly terminated Hogan’s contract in 2015, signaling a significant break. Although he issued multiple apologies—attributing his views to his upbringing—reactions from fans remained largely unforgiving. His reinstatement in 2018 was met with mixed feelings, underscoring that while the organization may seek to move forward, the fans were still hesitant. Notably, Hogan’s involvement in backstage politics, including stifling a unionization attempt by Jesse Ventura, continues to tarnish his reputation.
Is Hogan’s Legendary Status Forever Marred?
The Challenging Path to Redemption
While Hulk Hogan’s significance to WWE’s history is undeniable, the shadows cast by his actions—particularly those from a decade prior—have fueled widespread disapproval among fans. The famous saying, “time heals all wounds,”seems increasingly inapplicable in Hogan’s case. His hosting of WrestleMania 37 in 2021 received a lukewarm response, and the reaction to his latest appearance in 2025 was even more unfavorable. This pattern suggests that Hogan’s legendary status may be irreparably damaged.
As commentator Pat McAfee vividly critiqued Hogan during a recent broadcast, it illustrates a significant shift in public sentiment regarding the WWE legend:
They cooking Hulk Hogan on the Pat McAfee show pic.twitter.com/LvPKatVm4T — Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) January 7, 2025
In his latest segment, Hogan unsuccessfully attempted to charm the audience by tapping into nostalgia while simultaneously pivoting to promote his new beer. His comment about the fans being his “greatest tag team partner”felt hollow amidst a sea of disapproval. The reality remains that wrestling aficionados can acknowledge Hulk Hogan’s historic significance while simultaneously recognizing that his presence in contemporary wrestling may not be welcomed.
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