Hulk Hogan’s passing on July 24 was a shocking moment in professional wrestling. For some, it was the death of their childhood hero. A man who millions came to love and idolize for decades is now gone forever. For others, they couldn’t care less because Hogan’s identity for much of the last decade was thrown into question by what millions believed about him for a lifetime. Whichever side you stand on, Hulk Hogan’s death is a challenging test for professional wrestling.
Hulk Hogan’s accolades do not need another fleshing out. In the coming days, fans will be steadily reminded of his multiple championships, industry-shaking moments, and other highlights that built him into the first crossover superstar of the industry.
What is interesting to see is that so many are coming to learn about his multiple problematic issues throughout his run. Most fans will point to the shocking 2015 revelation about his racist comments that were caught on audio, but Hogan was problematic long before that. Just look back to his efforts to bust the development of a union in professional wrestling decades prior.
In the last few years, fans responded in kind whenever Hogan appeared on television. The opening tunes to “Real American” were once met with resounding cheers, but that shifted to loud boos. He deserved every aspect of the disrespect that was sent his way.
Hulk Hogan screwed Hulk Hogan: The legacy is forever tarnished
Some may wonder if fans should attempt to separate the character Hulk Hogan from the person Terry Bollea. The answer is “no.” Why? Because that character represented more than what he achieved in the ring. It was Hulk Hogan, not Terry Bollea, who spoke at a 2024 rally for Donald Trump in Madison Square Garden. It was Hulk Hogan, not Terry Bollea, who became an outspoken part of the MAGA movement that is impacting millions of those same faces Hogan spoke to as a professional wrestler decades ago. There is no separating the man from the character because it was the character that gave the man the power to cause the harm he caused along the way.
Hulk Hogan’s death raises an interesting challenge for the professional wrestling industry. This business cannot ignore the problematic past, and, in many ways, it still faces. Several of the most important names in the history of wrestling are growing older, reaching the twilight phases of their lives. Only in recent years have the transgressions of many of the most popular names come out, their victims finally having the space to tell their sides of their stories. In some ways, wrestling tries to shield them, but a more vocal and informed fanbase quickly pushes back on that practice.
One can’t and shouldn’t attempt to talk about Hogan’s passing without talking about his problems under the guise of “respect.” Doing so would be nothing short of a lie. The same will be said about others as they pass from this world as well. There are several men in the industry who’ve caused harm on their way and when they were at the top. Those situations must be correctly covered when the time comes.