The world of professional wrestling is mourning the passing of Hulk Hogan, one of its most iconic figures. Known for his charisma, unmatched popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, and larger-than-life persona, Hogan — born Terry Bollea — left a permanent mark on sports entertainment. However, his legacy remains complex, marred by a high-profile racism controversy that resurfaced past wounds and sparked broader discussions about accountability and redemption.
In 2015, a private recording from nearly a decade earlier emerged in which Hogan used racial slurs during a conversation about his daughter’s dating life. The leaked audio shocked fans and colleagues alike, leading to WWE severing all ties with him at the time. His name was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame listings, and his merchandise was pulled from the company’s platforms (source).
Hogan later issued public apologies, stating that the comments did not reflect his true character and attributing them to a dark period in his life. While some in the wrestling community supported his efforts to seek forgiveness, others remained critical, suggesting that his return to WWE in 2018 came without sufficient public reconciliation or education efforts (source).
The controversy highlighted not just one man’s mistake, but broader issues within the industry regarding racism, diversity, and inclusion. Many wrestlers of color spoke out during and after the incident, sharing their own experiences of discrimination within professional wrestling (source). Hogan’s case became a catalyst for WWE and other promotions to begin addressing internal cultural shortcomings.
Now, in the wake of Hogan’s death, public reaction is mixed. While many pay tribute to his contributions to wrestling, others revisit the controversy as a necessary part of evaluating a person’s full legacy. This duality serves as a reminder that legacies are rarely simple — they often reflect both achievement and failure.
Hulk Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. Yet, the racism scandal remains a chapter that cannot be ignored. As fans and historians reflect on his life and career, there is an opportunity to remember not just the icon in the ring, but also the lessons learned from his mistakes — and the work still needed to ensure inclusivity in the sport he helped popularize.