The wrestling world continues to grapple with the complex legacy of Hulk Hogan following his recent passing on July 24, 2025. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon spoke candidly in the FOX documentary The Real Hulk Hogan, aired shortly before Hogan’s death, addressing the polarizing aspects of the wrestling icon’s career, including the highly publicized controversy over Hogan’s racist remarks, his abrupt WWE exit, and the fan reaction during his final WWE RAW appearance[1].

Hulk Hogan—real name Terry Bollea—was a defining figure in professional wrestling, turning the sport mainstream in the 1980s with his charismatic persona and larger-than-life presence. However, his reputation was severely tarnished in 2015 when private audio surfaced containing racist language and remarks, particularly offensive comments about African Americans and Hogan’s own mixed-race daughter. WWE swiftly severed ties with Hogan, removing him from their Hall of Fame and suspending all collaborations[1][4].

In the FOX documentary, McMahon acknowledged the gravity of Hogan’s disparaging remarks but defended the wrestler’s overall character, stating, “He said some racist things, which were unforgivable, but he wasn’t a racist”[1]. McMahon recalled his personal shock upon learning of the scandal: “I was aghast, ‘What happened?’ That’s not like him.” Despite the severance, McMahon’s comments suggest a nuanced perspective, differentiating the man from the comments he made, a stance that prompted mixed reactions throughout the wrestling community.

Hogan’s fall from grace spurred passionate debate about race and accountability in professional wrestling. Some outlets and wrestling insiders painted Hogan as emblematic of longstanding systemic issues in the industry. For instance, The Nation described Hogan as “a racist, liar, and scab,” highlighting accusations from former colleagues about Hogan’s role in sabotaging wrestlers’ efforts to unionize, as well as his history of racially tinged behavior that impeded Black wrestlers’ career growth[2].

Despite the controversy, Hogan’s relationship with WWE saw a partial thaw by 2018 after his repeated public apologies and charitable efforts focusing on youth[3][5]. WWE reinstated him, albeit with limitations on his on-screen role, signaling the company’s struggle between acknowledging Hogan’s indelible mark on wrestling and reckoning with his personal failings.

Perhaps the most poignant moment illustrating this conflict came during Hogan’s last WWE RAW appearance, where he was met with a mixed crowd reaction that included notable boos from fans. McMahon commented on this reception, acknowledging the difficult legacy Hogan leaves: “He was loved by millions, but also faced rightful criticism. That night captured the complicated history with the fans”[1].

Hogan’s health struggles also factored into his later years, with McMahon revealing that Hogan had been dealing with serious issues following a four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery. His death was reportedly caused by a heart attack, closing a tumultuous chapter in pro wrestling history[1].

Backstage sources close to WWE confirmed to Wrestling Headlines that while Hogan’s scandals cast a long shadow, many within the company view his career as a cautionary tale about the need for better awareness and inclusivity within wrestling’s culture. “Vince has stressed that Hogan’s mistakes won’t be forgotten, but they also serve as a reminder that wrestling must evolve,” a WWE insider said.

Hogan’s legacy remains fiercely debated outside WWE circles as well. His involvement with divisive political figures like Donald Trump and controversial public comments continued to stir criticism even after his partial comeback. Yet, he was also hailed by some political personalities for his cultural impact, underscoring his status as both an icon and a polarizing figure[4][5].

This ambivalence extends to how Hogan is remembered in wrestling history: as a trailblazer who helped popularize the sport globally but whose personal flaws remind fans and industry leaders alike of the complicated human reality behind the spectacle.

Key Takeaways:

• Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, after ongoing health issues related to previous neck surgery and a heart attack[1].
• Vince McMahon stated in The Real Hulk Hogan documentary that Hogan “said some racist things” but was not himself a racist; McMahon expressed shock and condemned the remarks as “unforgivable”[1].
• WWE cut ties with Hogan in 2015 following racist comments leaked to the public; he was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame but reinstated in a limited capacity after multiple apologies in 2018[1][3].
• Hogan’s final WWE RAW appearance was met with boos, reflecting fans’ conflicted feelings towards his legacy; McMahon acknowledged the complicated fan response[1].
• Hogan’s legacy includes profound contributions to wrestling’s popularity but is marred by controversies including racism allegations, backstage politics, legal battles, and public political stances[2][4][5].
• WWE insiders view Hogan’s story as a lesson for the industry’s growth in diversity and accountability[1].

Sources such as WWE.com, Fightful, and multiple interviews, including McMahon’s candid remarks on FOX, provide insight into how the wrestling world officially and privately processes Hulk Hogan’s complex legacy. As wrestling’s history continues to be written, Hogan’s life underscores the challenges of balancing celebrity influence with critical reflection on personal conduct in sports entertainment.