Hulk Hogan, the legendary WWE wrestler, received a shockingly negative reception at the Netflix premiere of Monday Night Raw at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on January 6, 2025. Instead of cheers, the 71-year-old icon was met with a chorus of boos. But why the sudden shift in fan sentiment for a wrestling legend?
From Cheers to Jeers: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Hostility
Hogan’s appearance, alongside his long-time manager Jimmy Hart, was intended to promote his new beer, Real American Beer, which recently partnered with Netflix. He attempted to rally the crowd with references to past tag-team partners like Macho Man Randy Savage and Andre the Giant, emphasizing the historic partnership between WWE and Netflix. However, his efforts were met with continued disapproval.
While Hogan’s blatant promotion of his beer might have contributed to the negative reaction, the underlying reasons for the boos likely stem from past controversies. In 2015, a video surfaced of Hogan repeatedly using racial slurs, leading to his temporary removal from the WWE. Though reinstated in 2018, this incident undoubtedly tarnished his image for many fans.
Hogan’s Political Alignments: A Contributing Factor?
Another potential factor contributing to the negative reception is Hogan’s outspoken support for Donald Trump. Hogan introduced Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just days after an assassination attempt on the then-president. He also appeared at a Trump rally in Madison Square Garden in October.
While wrestling fans aren’t typically known for their liberal leanings, Hogan’s fervent support for a highly polarizing political figure could have alienated a significant portion of the audience. This, coupled with the lingering resentment from the 2015 controversy, may explain the hostile reaction he received at the Monday Night Raw event. The connection between Linda McMahon, wife of WWE founder Vince McMahon, and the Trump administration as Education Secretary further complicates the relationship between WWE and political affiliations.
A Legacy Tarnished? The Future of Hulk Hogan’s Image
The boos directed at Hulk Hogan raise questions about his lasting legacy in the wrestling world. While he remains a recognizable icon with a long history of accomplishments, the negative reaction suggests a fractured relationship with fans. Whether Hogan can regain the adoration of the WWE Universe remains to be seen. His future appearances will likely be met with similar scrutiny, as fans continue to grapple with his past actions and political affiliations.
