Vince McMahon's Controversial Take on Hulk Hogan's Legacy After Death

Vince McMahon's Controversial Take on Hulk Hogan's Legacy After Death

On July 24, 2025, the world of wrestling lost one of its most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan, who passed away due to cardiac arrest at the age of 71, surrounded by family in Clearwater, Florida. As fans reflect on his storied career, his final appearance on WWE television remains a hot topic of discussion. Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, was met with a chorus of boos during the debut episode of RAW on Netflix, a response that left Vince McMahon, former Chairman of WWE, quite upset. McMahon believed Hogan deserved a warmer reception for his immense contributions to wrestling, stating he felt „Hogan should have received a special welcome.“

These negative reactions were largely tied to Hogan’s controversies, including past lawsuits, a leaked sex tape, and hurtful remarks that brought him significant backlash over the years. The mixed emotions surrounding Hogan’s legacy have led some fans to express regret over their reactions during that last appearance, despite ongoing divisions in how others perceive him.

Vince McMahon’s Reflections

In a recent documentary aired on August 12, 2023, McMahon opened up about Hogan’s past, notably the racism scandal from 2015 that resulted in Hogan being fired from WWE and removed from the Hall of Fame after audio surfaced of him using racial slurs. McMahon stated he was “shocked” by Hogan’s actions but firmly believes Hogan is not a racist, insisting that mistakes do not define a person permanently. He acknowledged Hogan’s heartfelt public apology made back in 2015, where Hogan admitted there was “no excuse” for his language, and expressed disappointment in himself.

McMahon’s remarks underscore the complexity of Hogan’s public persona. He was integral to the rise of WWE in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite the controversies, McMahon noted Hogan’s undeniable impact and compared their long-standing bond to that of brothers. He expressed deep sadness over Hogan’s death, recalling Hogan’s resilience in overcoming health challenges, including a series of surgeries.

Mixed Fan Reactions

The reactions to McMahon’s comments have been a mixed bag. While some fans sympathize with Hogan and agree he deserved better during his last WWE appearance, others stand firmly by their initial reactions, feeling Hogan has faced consequences for his past actions. Social media has erupted with opinions, highlighting the ongoing debate about how we view public figures who have made significant contributions but carry burdens of controversial pasts.

Ultimately, Hulk Hogan’s legacy is a complicated tapestry woven from triumphs and pitfalls. His impact on the wrestling landscape remains undeniable, and even as discussions about his past continue, phrases like “Hulkamania will live forever” resonate as a testament to his lasting influence in the ring and beyond. As fans navigate their feelings towards Hogan, it’s clear that his story is one of both glory and lessons learned, a narrative that the wrestling community will reflect on for years to come.