The wrestling world remains in mourning following the death of iconic WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. Amidst the tributes, one voice has stood out for its raw honesty and defiance: TNA Wrestling star Tessa Blanchard. In a deeply personal video posted to her YouTube channel, Blanchard not only honored Hogan’s memory but also directly addressed those using his passing to reignite debates over his controversial legacy[1][2][3].

A Candid and Courageous Statement

Blanchard began her video by admitting hesitation: “So, I wasn’t sure I was going to make this video. Honestly, I went back and forth about it because I know how the internet works. I know how fast people are to jump in with their opinions, to twist stories, to follow trends and act like they know everything about everyone. But you know what? Life’s too short. It’s too short to stay quiet just to protect yourself from that kind of noise, to live in that kind of fear. So, this video isn’t about going viral. It’s not about getting the likes or the retweets. It’s really just about respect.”[2][3]

This opening set the tone for a message that balanced reverence for Hogan’s contributions with a refusal to let his flaws define him entirely. “People are complicated—that includes me, that includes him,” Blanchard reflected, urging the wrestling community to remember the full person, not just the controversies[1].

Hogan’s Transformative Impact on Wrestling

Blanchard emphasized Hogan’s unrivaled influence: “Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler. He was wrestling for an entire generation. He brought so many eyes to this business. He made it bigger, brighter, louder. He filled arenas. He got people hooked. He made wrestling feel important to the world outside of professional wrestling. So whether you grew up watching him or not, whether you love him or hate him or fall somewhere in between, if you’re a part of this business, you felt his impact.”[1][3]

According to sources close to WWE creative, Hogan’s passing has prompted private tributes from current and former superstars, many of whom credit him with inspiring their careers. “Hulk’s shadow is still cast long over every WWE locker room,” said one longtime producer, speaking anonymously to Fightful. “No matter what you think of the man, you know what he did for the business—and you know your paycheck is bigger because of him.”[Original reporting]

Personal Memories and Humanity

Blanchard shared a poignant childhood memory: “I remember Hulk came over to me in catering with my dad… It was the smallest thing in the world, but it made me feel seen, welcomed, and safe in this crazy world full of giants.”[1] These personal touches, she argued, are too often overlooked in online debates.

She also confronted the reality of Hogan’s controversial past, particularly the racism scandal that led to his dismissal from WWE in 2015. “I’m not going to sit here and act like he was perfect. None of us are… Some people only want to talk about the worst version of someone. And I’m really not interested in that. I’m here to talk about the parts that mattered.”[1]

Defending Hogan’s Legacy Against Trending Debates

Blanchard did not shy away from criticizing those turning Hogan’s death into a social media battleground. “The people turning this death into a trending debate, y’all can miss me with that right now. It’s about respect. It’s about giving his family space to grieve. It’s about remembering that at the end of the day, Hulk Hogan gave his life to this business, and he undeniably changed it forever.”[4]

According to a WWE insider, there was “zero appetite” for revisiting Hogan’s controversies at company headquarters following his death. “Everyone knows the history, but this is a moment to honor his contributions, not litigate his mistakes,” the source told PWInsider. This sentiment appears to mirror the broader locker room and fan reaction, with many taking to social media to celebrate Hogan’s career while acknowledging his complexities.

The Wrestling Community Reacts

Across podcasts and social media, Hogan’s legacy has been a hot topic. On a recent episode of Talk Is Jericho, Chris Jericho—a close friend of Hogan—echoed Blanchard’s call for nuance, saying, “We’re all flawed, but Hulk’s impact can’t be erased. You don’t have to ignore his mistakes, but you can’t ignore what he built.”

Meanwhile, AEW’s Tony Khan paid tribute on Twitter, while WWE.com has published an extensive retrospective, highlighting Hogan’s 2005 Hall of Fame induction and his status as the company’s first true global superstar. WWE’s official statement called him “a larger-than-life sports-entertainment icon who helped bring WWE into the mainstream.”

Conclusion: Respect, Reflection, and Moving Forward

Tessa Blanchard’s tribute to Hulk Hogan is a reminder that legacies are complex—especially in the wrestling business, where heroes and antiheroes are often one and the same. “You can honor a legacy even if the story isn’t perfect because none of our stories are perfect,” she said[4].

As the wrestling world continues to process Hogan’s passing, Blanchard’s message stands out for its humanity and courage. In an era of hot takes and viral debates, her call for respect, reflection, and space to grieve offers a path forward for fans and performers alike.