Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was more than just a wrestling superstar; he was a cultural phenomenon. But his legacy was tarnished by a series of racist comments that came to light in 2015. Leaked audio of Hogan using racial slurs, including the n-word, revealed a side of him that many fans found hard to reconcile with the image they admired. After the recording was released, WWE quickly terminated Hogan and removed him from the Hall of Fame. This drastic action reflected the severity of his views and the wrestling community’s stance against racism. For many black fans, Hogan’s actions were unforgivable, leading to a complicated relationship with the wrestling icon.
As news of Hogan’s death spread, black Twitter exploded with completely unsympathetic reactions. Many users expressed their refusal to mourn, some even celebrated his passing. Quotes like “Satan is ready to get you, bro” went viral, reflecting the deep resentment within the community. These reactions have had significant implications across generations. Younger black fans, in particular, have become more vocal and uncompromising. They saw Hogan’s racist behavior not as a mistake but as a reflection of a larger social problem. This generational shift suggests that younger fans are less willing to forgive past transgressions, drawing parallels to how society has treated other figures such as O.J. Simpson.
Hogan’s death has sparked discussions about accountability and historical memory of racism in America. Many commentators have pointed to it not just as the death of one man but as a general frustration with systemic racism in wrestling and society at large. Fans who grew up idolizing Hogan have expressed feelings of betrayal. Kazim Famuyid, a wrestling journalist, noted that many black fans felt Hogan’s apology lacked sincerity, adding to their frustration. This sentiment permeated the community, highlighting the disconnect between Hogan’s public image and his personal beliefs.
Hogan’s controversial behavior was not an isolated incident. Throughout his career, he faced criticism from fellow wrestlers who accused him of backstage manipulation and ego-driven decisions. These issues reveal a pattern of behavior that extends beyond Hogan’s documented criticisms, illuminating the wrestling industry’s broader struggles with racism. Hogan’s conflicts with other wrestling legends, such as Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, illustrate the complexity of his character. Hart’s long-standing feud with Hogan stemmed from professional disagreements, while Michaels’ experiences further highlighted Hogan’s influence in the industry.