Hulk Hogan’s death was a major moment in professional wrestling this year. There’s no denying that he was an iconic force for the industry. But there’s also no denying that he was a problematic person in several different ways. As WWE paid tribute to Hogan across each show this past week, some fans openly questioned why they choose to continue to do so. What was interesting to see was a contracted WWE performer doing the same on his public social media accounts.
Jamar Hampton is a name most haven’t heard. According to Cagematch, he has less than a year of experience in the business. But he’s a name that is making the rounds across social media as he made it a point to share his thoughts about the matter, regardless of who he is working for at the time.
Hampton posted one of the infamous Hogan quotes that put a spotlight on his racism. Then questioned if this is the man who should be celebrated.
“Is this really who we should be celebrating,” Hampton posted. “Do ya research.”
The quote in question was the quote that came to light back in 2015 when audio was released of Hogan speaking about Black people.
“So, it gets to the point where…I dunno if Brooke was [expletive] the Black guy’s son, or they’ve been hanging out. I caught them holding hands together on the tour. They were getting close to the kind of [inaudible] the [expletive] [inaudible],” Hogan said. “I’m not a double standard type of guy. I’m a racist to a point, you know, [expletive expletive] but then, when it comes to nice people and…”
That’s the statement that pulled back the veil on the “Real American.” Hogan would be briefly shunned by the WWE before being welcomed back with open arms – at least by the leadership in power. The entire fanbase never truly welcomed Hogan back, with many showering him with boos the second his music would hit. All Elite Wrestling outright banned Hogan from the organization.
In the days that followed Hogan’s passing, conversations still continue about how professional wrestling should handle talking about his legacy. Some are adamant to point toward all his negative actions and controversies, while some completely ignore them. There isn’t a clear answer on which way to go, but this is still a conversation that is needed because wrestling has a lot of problematic personalities who are reaching their advanced age.
Seeing Hampton take a stance on the situation was refreshing. Now, many are wondering if he will be “punished” for doing so. Hampton has mostly appeared on LFG, with some appearances on NXT live events and EVOLVE. However, do not be surprised if his name comes up as someone who is released in the coming months. These types of moments do not get ignored by WWE, and speaking up online is one way to get reprimanded or outright dismissed. It would be dumb if the company immediately cut him because that would point directly to this moment as the cause, creating backlash. But this will not be ignored.
Jamar Hampton said what so many on the WWE roster were probably thinking. In doing so, he stood up in a way that fans online aren’t ignoring. Will that cost him his run with WWE? Perhaps, but only time will tell.