Following the recent death of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, many in the wrestling community have expressed shock and sorrow. However, WWE trainee Jamar Hampton, also known as Troy Yearwood, took issue with the WWE’s tributes to Hogan during an episode of “WWE NXT.” Hampton called into question the widespread praise for Hogan by highlighting his controversial past, specifically referencing Hogan’s 2007 racist outburst. On Instagram, Hampton shared a quote from that infamous tirade where Hogan admits to being “racist to the point” and used a racial slur, urging fans to reconsider celebrating Hogan without recognizing this side of him. He also included a link to the full audio of Hogan’s rant in his caption.
Hampton’s post sparked mixed reactions online. Some applauded his honesty and willingness to speak out, while others criticized him for not showing forgiveness and urged him to focus on his career instead. A few pointed out WWE’s lack of meaningful creative roles for black wrestlers like Mark Henry, suggesting Hampton seek alternative employment. As of now, Hampton has not removed his post or commented further, and WWE has remained silent on the matter. Hampton, a University of North Carolina graduate, is one of WWE’s newer talents, known for his work in Evolve, and recently lost matches to Edris Enofe and WWE LFG.
Fan Take: This controversy highlights the ongoing struggle within wrestling to reconcile the legacies of beloved stars with their problematic pasts. For WWE fans, Hampton’s bold stance may signal a growing desire for accountability and honest conversations as the sport evolves.
