The iconic wrestler Hulk Hogan was met with an unexpected wave of boos during his entrance at the debut of Monday Night RAW on Netflix. While it is not uncommon for WWE fans to react strongly to certain wrestlers, the negative reception towards Hogan surprised many.
The comments on social media suggest that the reaction was not solely due to his political stances, but to an accumulation of controversies surrounding him.
Hulk Hogan made his political views clear during the 2024 presidential elections by publicly endorsing Donald Trump. He even spoke at the Republican National Convention, solidifying his political image with the public.
However, this support does not seem to be the only reason behind the boos on RAW. Some fans compared his case to that of The Undertaker, who also showed support for Trump, but never received the same negative response.
Controversies beyond politics
The boos towards Hogan seem to have deeper roots. His history of racist and homophobic statements has left a mark on his legacy. In a leaked video, Hogan used the n-word and admitted to having racist attitudes. Furthermore, his homophobic comments in the past have also contributed to his negative image among WWE fans.
A user on Instagram commented that, unlike The Undertaker, Hogan has had a career marked by questionable attitudes and behaviors. This reinforces the perception that his personality outside the ring has affected his popularity within the wrestling community.
The live debut of RAW on Netflix took place in Los Angeles, a city known for its liberal inclination. According to comments on X (formerly Twitter), the local audience was not predisposed to receive Hogan with enthusiasm. An attendee at the event commented that the boos towards Hogan were "the loudest I have heard".
Another user expressed their disappointment at seeing how the icon of their childhood, who promoted values such as training and praying, was now facing massive rejection due to his controversial past and attempts to commercialize his beer.
The negative reception in Los Angeles suggests that boos could become a recurring thing for Hogan. His “Real American” image seems to be worn out in front of an audience that is no longer willing to overlook his controversies. With a history full of incidents and controversial statements, Hogan’s future in WWE events seems more uncertain than ever.