With Hogan’s passing, former wrestlers have felt empowered to share their experiences, calling Hogan’s behavior predatory. The revelations have opened up discussions about the grooming of dangerous talent in the wrestling industry. Hogan’s biological daughter, Brooke, has come forward with allegations that reveal a disturbing dynamic within their family. These claims, along with others, paint a picture of dysfunction and manipulation that extends beyond the wrestling ring.
The sex tape scandal that engulfed Hogan not only bankrupted Gawker Media, but also became a major turning point in his life. The story began in 2007 when Hogan was living with his friend Bubba the Love Sponge during a tumultuous divorce. Bubba mentioned that Hogan was suicidal, leading to a controversial settlement involving Bubba’s wife. The story spiraled into chaos when the tape was stolen, leading to a plot to blackmail Hogan for $1 million. In a twist of fate, Hogan and his lawyer set up a sting operation with the FBI, which ultimately turned the scandal into a $140 million reward for Hogan.
Hogan’s first marriage to Linda lasted 26 years but ended in a public and messy divorce. Allegations of physical abuse and infidelity, including an affair with a close friend of his daughter, raised suspicions and questions about his character. The family's reality TV show, "Hogan Knows Best," had portrayed their lives but now appeared to expose troubling interactions, particularly between Hogan and Brooke. Brooke's later allegations of inappropriate behavior within the family only added to the chaos. Hogan's toxic behavior was not limited to his personal life; it extended to his professional relationships. Wrestlers like Matt Bourne publicly criticized Hogan's arrogance and uncooperative attitude, leading to hostility within the wrestling community.
As Hogan faced health issues in his later years, speculation about his condition added to the drama. Reports of his surgeries and rumors about his health were often overshadowed by controversy, reflecting the turbulent nature of his life. Hogan’s legacy took a serious hit in 2015 when leaked audio revealed him using racial slurs and making shocking comments about his daughter’s love life. This not only led to his dismissal from WWE, but also reignited the debate about his negative behavior.
Following these revelations, many wrestlers spoke out about their dismay, not only at Hogan’s racist behavior, but also at his longstanding selfish habits. The wrestling community came together to shed light on the negative impact Hogan had on their lives and careers.