Hulk Hogan’s recent demise at the age of 71 sent shockwaves across the wrestling world. However, it also made many curious about his illustrious career. Despite his status as a celebrated wrestler, Hogan frequently found himself embroiled in several controversies. As fans browsed through important events concerning the legend’s life, they learned he was at one point fired from WWE. Thus, netizens were left wondering why he was let go.
So, why was Hogan fired from WWE? Here’s all you need to know.
Here’s why Hulk Hogan was fired from WWE
Hulk Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 for making racist comments.
In 2015, RadarOnline and The National Enquirer found and published an audio recording from an explicit video recorded in 2007. In it, Hogan could be heard saying racist slurs and accusing his daughter, Brooke, of sleeping with a black man. He also admitted to being racist, saying, “I guess we’re all a little racist.”
After Hulk Hogan’s racist comments were made public, WWE terminated its contract with him and fired the wrestling legend. It released the following statement, which made no mention of his racist remarks.
“WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan),” the statement read. “WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.”
Hogan soon apologized for his comments in a statement to PEOPLE. “Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation,” the Rocky III actor stated. “It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it.”
He continued, “This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise.” “I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs,” the statement concluded.
In a separate interview with the outlet, Hogan admitted racism was part of his “daily environment” growing up. “If you lived in South Tampa then, you greeted your friends with the n-word,” he said. The late professional wrestler stated, “If you were mad at your friends, you used the n-word.”
