WWE icon Hulk Hogan has once again come under the spotlight following his sudden death on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Found unresponsive in his Clearwater, Florida home, his passing has reignited long-standing conversations surrounding the Hulk Hogan controversy, particularly the scandals that tarnished his once-legendary status in professional wrestling.
The wrestling world was rocked not just by the death of the man behind Hulkamania but also by the flood of reactions revisiting his most controversial moments. Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, was no stranger to headlines. While he was celebrated for his role in popularizing professional wrestling during the 1980s and ’90s, a darker side of his legacy continues to cast a shadow.
The most explosive chapter in Hogan’s off-ring life came in 2015 when a leaked sex tape from 2007 revealed deeply offensive racial remarks. In the recording, Hogan used racial slurs while discussing his daughter’s relationship with a Black man. The audio not only shocked fans but also led to major professional consequences. WWE swiftly cut ties with him—terminating his contract, removing all merchandise, and scrubbing him from their Hall of Fame.
Despite a public apology, the backlash was swift and brutal. Sponsors dropped him, media outlets criticized him, and several prominent wrestlers expressed disappointment. Hogan claimed the comments were taken out of context, calling them a mistake made in a dark time of his life. However, the damage was already done. He became a symbol of how quickly fame can fade in the face of offensive behavior.
Adding fuel to the controversy was his high-profile legal battle against Gawker Media. After the media outlet published the sex tape without his consent, Hogan filed a lawsuit, eventually winning a $140 million judgment. Though the amount was later reduced through settlement, it was enough to bankrupt Gawker and set a legal precedent regarding personal privacy in media coverage.
In the years following, Hogan attempted a slow return to the public eye. WWE reinstated him to the Hall of Fame in 2018, though his reappearance at events was often met with mixed reactions. Some fans cheered the nostalgia of seeing the red-and-yellow legend again, while others booed and expressed frustration over the company welcoming him back without genuine accountability.
Just months before his death, Hogan made a public appearance at a major WWE event. The crowd response was overwhelmingly negative. Online chatter pointed to the lingering resentment many fans still felt about his past remarks. The WWE universe seemed divided—those who revered the performer and those who couldn’t forgive the person behind the persona.
Criticism also followed his political leanings, as Hogan had voiced support for controversial figures and movements in recent years. These public stances only added to the ongoing debate about his legacy, both in the ring and out of it.
Here’s a timeline highlighting key moments in the Hulk Hogan controversy:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Sex tape recorded without Hogan’s consent |
| 2012 | Gawker publishes a portion of the tape |
| 2015 | Racial slurs in tape spark global outrage; WWE cuts ties |
| 2016 | Hogan wins lawsuit against Gawker for invasion of privacy |
| 2018 | Reinstated into WWE Hall of Fame |
| 2025 | Hogan dies; controversy revisited amid public reflection |
Now, in the aftermath of his death, fans and critics are grappling with what Hogan’s legacy truly means. Was he a trailblazer whose career changed wrestling forever? Or a man whose off-screen actions irreparably stained his public image?
The Hulk Hogan controversy remains a potent reminder that public figures are never immune from accountability. While he may be remembered for his charisma, championship wins, and booming “Brother!” catchphrase, the deeper scars of his past can’t be erased.
What do you think about Hulk Hogan’s legacy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.