During the July 25th episode of Smackdown, Cody Rhodes did not avoid addressing the sensitive topic of Hulk Hogan’s legacy while paying tribute to him. WWE commenced the show with a tribute to Hogan, who passed away at 71, featuring videos from Triple H and other respects.
In his remarks, Rhodes acknowledged the complexities of Hogan’s legacy, pointing out that while Hogan had not addressed some controversies, including false racist allegations, his impact on WWE was undeniable.
“Yesterday, WWE and pro wrestling lost a major figure in Hulk Hogan. Though there are complex aspects, his contributions to WWE cannot be disputed. Thank you, Hulk Hogan,” Rhodes stated.
Since Hogan’s passing, WWE has largely steered clear of discussing his racist remarks, with only Chelsea Green directly touching on the subject among current talent. Rhodes’ tribute was one of the more nuanced moments of the evening, balancing respect for Hogan’s significant influence with recognition of the complexities in his history.
Rhodes then shifted focus to promote a WWE title match at Summerslam, an event Hogan had notably followed, where American Nightmare will face John Cena on the show’s second night.
Fan Take: This tribute highlights WWE’s delicate balancing act in honoring its legends while confronting their complicated pasts, an approach that could shape how the sport manages similar situations in the future. For fans, it’s a reminder that wrestling’s history is rich but nuanced, and acknowledging both triumphs and controversies can lead to a more honest and mature wrestling culture.
