In 2015, Hulk Hogan’s reputation was permanently damaged when racist remarks he made became public. WWE swiftly responded by terminating his contract and expunging him from the Hall of Fame. Hogan was only reinstated in 2018, but reactions from fans remained divided up until his final appearances.
In a recent interview with TMZ, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon addressed the controversy surrounding Hogan’s comments. McMahon was clear in his condemnation.
“What Hulk said was absolutely unforgivable. When I heard these comments, I was shocked and disappointed. There is no place for such language or attitude in the WWE or anywhere else,” McMahon said.
Regarding Hogan’s removal from the Hall of Fame, McMahon described it as a necessary move to demonstrate WWE’s intolerance for such behavior. Although WWE expressed disapproval of Hogan’s remarks early on, his formal removal was only publicized when he was reinstated in 2018.
Despite condemning Hogan’s comments, McMahon defended his overall character, emphasizing their long friendship. He acknowledged the remarks were “unforgivable” but expressed hope that fans would grant Hogan a second chance.
“I’ve known the Hulk for decades. I don’t think he’s racist. He’s made a terrible mistake, but that’s not the person he is at his core. People can change, and I believe in a second chance,” McMahon stated. “Those comments were unacceptable, but I hope people can see the person beyond the error.”
Hogan passed away in July 2025, and WWE has honored him multiple times since. While many fans continue to celebrate his contributions to wrestling, the impact of his controversial statements still lingers over his legacy.
Fan Take: This revelation and the WWE’s stance highlight the importance of accountability in professional wrestling. For fans, it underscores how the sport must continually evolve to uphold respect and integrity both inside and outside the ring.
