Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan learned the hard way that his star power isn’t what it once was during a surprise appearance on WWE’s Monday Night Raw. The show, broadcast live on Netflix for the first time, was held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, where Hogan emerged to a chorus of boos from the nearly 20,000 fans in attendance.
Accompanied by his longtime on-screen manager Jimmy Hart, the 71-year-old WWE Hall of Famer entered the arena to promote his beer brand, Real American Beer, which recently signed a multi-year partnership with the WWE. The deal coincides with Raw’s move to Netflix, making the event a landmark moment for the franchise.
However, the crowd’s reaction to Hogan was far from celebratory. As he took the mic to address the audience, the boos only intensified, seemingly catching the wrestling legend off guard. Despite his efforts to push through his speech, the hostile reception was impossible to ignore.
Theories Behind the Boos
Fans have speculated on several reasons for the overwhelmingly negative response Hogan received.
One popular theory is tied to Hogan’s recent public support of Donald Trump, which has polarized opinions about the wrestler in recent years. While the wrestling world includes other prominent Trump supporters, such as The Undertaker—who was also present and received a warm ovation—Hogan’s association with political controversy seems to have hit a nerve with the Los Angeles crowd.
Others point to Hogan’s past scandals, including a 2015 controversy involving leaked recordings where Hogan made racially insensitive comments. Although Hogan later apologized and was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame, some fans have not forgiven or forgotten the incident.
Alternatively, some speculate that the crowd’s reaction may have simply been a reflection of changing times. Hogan, while still one of the most recognizable figures in wrestling history, is perhaps no longer the universally beloved character he once was.
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A Surprising Outcome
The WWE’s decision to feature Hogan in such a high-profile moment suggests they expected a far more positive reception. As one of the most iconic personalities in professional wrestling, Hogan’s presence was likely intended to add star power to Netflix’s first-ever live broadcast of Raw.
Instead, the reaction underscored a generational and cultural shift among WWE fans. While Hogan is undeniably a legend, the crowd’s reaction may signal a desire for the company to focus on newer stars and narratives.
Hogan’s Response
Despite being met with relentless boos, Hogan maintained his composure during the segment, sticking to his talking points and attempting to win over the crowd. His partnership with WWE through Real American Beer remains a significant business move, but the reaction he received raises questions about how his legacy is perceived by today’s fans.
What’s Next for Hogan and WWE?
The unexpected reaction may cause WWE to rethink Hogan’s role in future events, especially in high-profile appearances like this one. For a company that thrives on audience engagement, such a polarizing response is a gamble that may not always pay off.
Meanwhile, Raw’s debut on Netflix remains a significant milestone for the WWE, drawing attention to both its historic legacy and its evolution in the streaming age.
While Hogan’s reception wasn’t what anyone anticipated, it certainly made the night memorable and added an extra layer of drama to an already groundbreaking event.
