WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan’s appearance on the premiere episode of WWE RAW on Netflix stirred controversy, as the wrestling legend was met with a wave of boos from the live audience. The segment, intended to promote Hogan’s Real American Beer brand, became a major talking point backstage due to the overwhelmingly negative reaction.
Hogan’s Polarizing Appearance
The segment was designed as a straightforward promotional opportunity, but fans in attendance weren’t shy about expressing their disdain. Hogan’s past controversies, including his vocal support for Donald Trump and associations with divisive figures, appear to have played a role in the crowd’s reaction. The situation reportedly caused frustration among WWE officials, who had high hopes for the Netflix premiere as a marquee event.
Despite the hostile reception, Hogan was said to have taken the incident in stride. While he expressed “surprise and disappointment” at being booed so heavily, he reportedly brushed it off backstage. WWE also limited Hogan’s screen time, with the segment kept short due to his physical condition and to avoid further backlash.
Missed Opportunity with Hollywood Hogan?
Following the event, online fans speculated that Hogan could have embraced the negativity by revisiting his infamous nWo Hollywood Hogan persona, which would have aligned with the heel reaction he received. However, WWE sources revealed that the focus was always on promoting the beer, not reinventing Hogan’s character. One insider noted, “We’re trying to sell beer, not get a 70-year-old over any way we can.”
What’s Next for WWE and Hogan’s Partnership?
While the reaction was far from ideal, WWE does not appear ready to sever ties with Hogan’s Real American Beer brand. However, the incident has sparked internal discussions about exploring other options. Some within WWE reportedly suggested that the company should consider using different legends or active talent to endorse the beer moving forward.
For now, Hogan remains part of the promotional plans. He is expected to appear at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event later this month, though WWE will likely take steps to mitigate another negative crowd reaction.
The Bigger Picture
Hogan’s appearance highlights the challenges WWE faces when working with polarizing figures, even legends as iconic as Hogan. As the company looks to balance nostalgia with its modern audience’s preferences, moments like this could influence how WWE utilizes its Hall of Famers in the future.
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