Randy Orton has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his recent comments about Hulk Hogan have sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. According to Orton, many WWE wrestlers dislike Hogan, largely due to feelings of betrayal. This assertion opens the door for a deeper exploration of Hogan’s past actions and the impact they have had on his fellow wrestlers. For decades, Hulk Hogan has been revered as a wrestling god, recognized by fans and peers alike. However, Orton’s revelations suggest that the reality behind the scenes was much more complicated. Many wrestlers have spoken out about serious issues with Hogan, stemming from a series of behind-the-scenes conflicts and questionable behavior.
One of the most notable examples of Hogan’s betrayal involved Jesse Ventura, a respected wrestler and advocate for change. In the 1980s, Ventura attempted to form a wrestlers’ union that would guarantee basic benefits like health insurance and a pension. However, Hogan’s intervention effectively killed the initiative, exposing a pattern of self-serving behavior that many wrestlers found deeply troubling. Another respected figure in the wrestling world, The Undertaker, has also expressed his disdain for Hogan. During a 1991 match, Hogan claimed that The Undertaker's move had injured him, causing significant stress for the young wrestler. Years later, The Undertaker publicly accused Hogan of lying to protect his image, highlighting the deep resentment that existed among wrestlers who felt insulted by Hogan's actions.
Bret Hart, known as "The Great Executioner," has been vocal about his disagreements with Hogan. Hart's grievances stemmed from a 1993 incident in which Hogan refused to relinquish the WWE Championship to him, instead opting for a messy ending that undermined Hart's path to stardom. The incident was just one of many examples of Hogan's willingness to put his own interests ahead of those of his peers.
The situation escalated dramatically in 2015 when Hogan was embroiled in a scandal involving racial slurs. The revelation shattered Hogan’s carefully crafted image and led to his immediate dismissal from WWE. The backlash from the wrestling community was swift, with many wrestlers expressing their disappointment and anger at Hogan’s comments. Notably, New Day and Mark Henry were among those who publicly criticized Hogan, underscoring the deep sense of betrayal many felt.
Randy Orton’s response to the scandal has been telling. In 2020, he liked a social media post calling Hogan a racist, showing that he empathized with the feelings of many wrestlers who felt hurt by Hogan’s actions. This seemingly small act carried significant weight, especially given Orton’s own experiences with Hogan’s backstage politics. Orton’s comments and actions highlight a broader issue in the wrestling industry: the impact of backstage politics on personal relationships and careers. The revelations about Hogan's behavior serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges wrestlers face in their pursuit of success.