UPDATE: Vince McMahon has come forward to defend his decision to reinstate Hulk Hogan in WWE, a move that stirred controversy after Hogan’s past use of a racial slur. This revelation comes during a special interview on TMZ, aired on October 10, 2023, where McMahon addressed the fallout from Hogan’s comments that led to his temporary ousting from the wrestling organization.
In a striking admission, McMahon, who resigned from WWE and its parent company TKO in January 2024 following a sexual misconduct lawsuit, emphasized that Hogan, who passed away in July 2023, should be judged on his character rather than his mistakes. “I knew he wasn’t racist. He said some racist things. He should pay for that, and he did,” McMahon stated in the interview.
The discussion pivots around the infamous 2007 sex tape that emerged in 2015, where Hogan could be heard using the N-word repeatedly and making derogatory remarks. McMahon expressed disbelief over Hogan’s comments, describing them as “unforgivable” and indicative of a shocking deviation from Hogan’s true character. “What happened? I was aghast,” McMahon remarked. “When those things occurred, that’s not like him. What in God’s name is going on?”
During the interview, McMahon revealed that WWE had no option but to sever ties with Hogan at that time, removing him from the Hall of Fame and all company programming. “You just don’t do those things,” he emphasized, highlighting the gravity of Hogan’s actions.
Despite the backlash, Hogan attempted to reconcile by labeling his comments a “glitch” and extending apologies. However, former WWE star Mark Henry criticized Hogan for not taking sufficient steps to rectify his mistakes. Henry suggested that Hogan should have actively engaged with the black community to mend relations, stating, “I think that’s bad advice,” referring to Hogan’s decision to remain silent on the issue.
In a poignant moment, McMahon reflected on the emotional impact of Hogan’s recent passing, describing it as a “blow to my heart.” He expressed frustration that Hogan was booed during his final WWE appearance, noting the profound friendship and partnership they shared in building WWE into a global powerhouse in the 1980s.
This controversy continues to resonate within the wrestling community, raising questions about accountability and redemption. McMahon’s candid remarks are likely to reignite discussions about race and responsibility in sports entertainment, making it clear that Hogan’s legacy remains complicated and multifaceted.
As the wrestling world processes the implications of this interview and Hogan’s legacy, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how WWE navigates these turbulent waters moving forward. Expect more updates as the situation develops.