Hulk Hogan is remembered not just for his legendary matches but also for his candidness, especially regarding politics later in life. Hogan passed away from a heart attack at 71 on July 24th. Since then, his longtime friend and manager Jimmy Hart has shared insights on a podcast about Hogan’s final moments and his last public appearance during his WWE Hall of Fame induction. Hart also revealed details on January 6th, 2025, about Hogan’s last WWE appearance, which was on WWE Raw’s premiere on Netflix.
Jimmy Hart spoke about how Hogan was deeply affected by the reaction from the audience that night. Many fans watching didn’t realize the crowd was displeased with Hogan, which Hart believes was due to the Los Angeles venue and Hogan’s association with former President Donald Trump. Hart explained that while some fans cheered for Hogan, the boos often outnumbered the cheers, leaving him wondering what had happened. This kind of reaction is not new; wrestlers have often been booed for their political views or stances on real-world issues, as seen during the Cold War in the 1980s with anti-Russian sentiments.
Despite the mixed reception, Jimmy Hart was unfazed by the crowd’s response. He reflected on his experience managing other wrestlers like the Hart Foundation and the British Bulldogs and recognized when to play to the crowd effectively. Hart mentioned that he was fine with it and expected the reaction to change when they performed in different locations, like Texas.
In a candid discussion with Bradshaw and Brisco, Hart shared his political stance humorously, stating he is neither Republican nor Democrat but simply calls himself a “jaboroni.”
Fan Take: This insight into Hulk Hogan’s final days and his polarizing last WWE appearance adds depth to his legacy, showing how his influence extended beyond wrestling into cultural and political realms. For WWE fans, it highlights the evolving relationship between wrestling personalities and their audiences, which continues to shape the sport’s storytelling and fan engagement.
