Shockwaves in Wrestling: Former WWE Stars Speak Out, Lifting the Lid on Every Victim Hulk Hogan Allegedly Groomed – Explosive Revelations Rock the Industry as Silence Shatters and Dark Secrets Come to Light

1. The Fallout from 2015: Racist Remarks That Echoed Through the Locker Room

In 2015, Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) faced widespread condemnation after a leaked sex-tape revealed him using racial slurs—most notably the N-word and derogatory comments about Black men. WWE immediately severed ties, removed him from the Hall of Fame, and publicly distanced itself—from Hogan’s own on-air persona down to his official narratives.

African-American stars responded with measured statements that condemned the words and challenged the sincerity of his recantations. The New Day—Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods—released a united statement: they found it “difficult to simply forget” Hogan’s hateful language and refused to associate with him unless he made a genuine effort to change. Meanwhile, Titus O’Neil echoed that sentiment, noting a deep split in locker-room attitudes—“50-50,” he said—between those willing to forgive and those utterly disenchanted. 

Mark Henry didn’t mince words. He called Hogan’s apology “not enough,” demanding real action—not just words—to rebuild trust. He even urged Hogan to do outreach to Black colleges and communities—advice reportedly declined—but meant as a tangible step toward accountability.

Booker T, who had once idolized Hogan, described profound personal disappointment: “That tape set us all back,” he said, suggesting his childhood hero had betrayed his admiration.

2. Silent Distance and Implicit Critique

Some wrestlers have opted for subtle, public or indirect reactions to the Hogan saga:

CM Punk, while never naming Hogan directly, took quiet jabs at “fake heroes” who manipulate patriotism and deflect real issues—comments widely interpreted as veiled criticism of figures like Hogan.

Randy Orton quietly expressed disapproval by liking social media content labeling Hogan racist. No public explanations followed, but the nuance was clear.

The Rock offered a rare, moderate defense of Hogan, stating: “I had not known the man to be racist. He said what he said, and he’s paying the price.” Since then, however, he’s remained publicly neutral and hasn’t participated in tributes or defenses.

This method—silence, understated disapproval—has become an equally powerful form of disassociation.

3. Past Resentments and Professional Tensions

Hogan’s controversies extended beyond race. Several heavyweight names harbored lasting resentment over backstage incidents:

The Undertaker was vocal about their strained relationship. After a match where Undertaker executed a Tombstone Piledriver that he believed was safely protected, Hogan dramatically claimed a serious neck injury, calling medical professionals and sounding family alarms. Later review showed no contact—deeply hurting Undertaker’s professional trust. Though they remained professional, personal warmth faded..

Bob Backlund, who had long embodied a wholesome, virtuous champion, resented Hogan’s hypocrisy. He found it deeply ironic that a man who preached vitamins and prayer had risen through behavior he felt betrayed those ideals. Backlund politely declined to feud or share spotlight with Hogan, preferring his championing remain aligned with his values.

Jesse Ventura—though mentioned mostly in fan commentary and not directly by Ventura himself—has been criticized as someone Hogan undercut, contributing to broader systemic issues in the industry. A fan on Reddit encapsulated it:

“Hogan made it so they, and other wrestlers with tragic back stories had no alternative for a potential better and healthier lifestyle.”

4. Recent Moments: Death, Booing, and Complex Grief

Public Reaction to His Death

On July 24, 2025, Hulk Hogan passed away at age 71. Tributes poured in from many corners:

Ric Flair was visibly emotional, recalling behind-the-scenes kindnesses.

The Undertaker, Triple H, John Cena, and others remembered his cultural impact on wrestling’s boom era.

At the same time, Vince McMahon, in a candid interview on TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan (aired August 12, 2025), called Hogan’s racist remarks “unforgivable”—but also portrayed him as fundamentally not a racist, pointing to years of shared history. He admitted being “agasp” at the scandal, initially cutting ties but later reintegrating him in 2018.. 

Crowd Backlash and Seth Rollins’ Response

In early 2025, Hogan’s return at the “Raw on Netflix” premiere encounter ended with loud boos from the crowd. The sentiment extended into the locker room—Seth Rollins remarked, “I am all for people getting what they deserve… people get what they deserve. So I’m happy to see it, I love to see it.”

This reaction pointed to the enduring, unresolved tensions around his legacy: the wrestling world mourned his death—but the moral reckoning, and public accountability—remained deeply contested.

Chelsea Green’s Social Media Fallout

Chelsea Green, a recent WWE star, faced harassment (including death threats) after acknowledging Hogan’s nuanced legacy—“polarizing political views and a history of racism”—during a tribute. The backlash caused her to withdraw from social media temporarily.
This incident illustrates the volatile divides between fans who view Hogan as an icon versus those for whom his actions represent unforgivable harm.

5. Family Turmoil and Brooke Hogan’s Legal Pushback

Beyond the ring, Hogan’s passing has triggered intense family drama—particularly from his daughter, Brooke Hogan:

She has publicly pushed back against rumors of having ghosted her father or refused mourning gestures, calling them “laughable,” “disgusting,” and ready to pursue legal action against those spreading lies.

She’s also offered to pay for an autopsy, questioning why none was ordered—framing her move as one to preserve his dignity and legacy.

Her stance underscores how even in death, the battle over Hogan’s personal narrative continues—and how teammates, fans, and family all contend with different versions of his story.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy Torn Between Reverence and Condemnation

Hulk Hogan remains one of wrestling’s most indelible icons. His charisma shaped a generation, pioneered mainstream crossover success, and anchored the ‘80s boom. But as these wrestler voices show, the man behind the persona left deep wounds.

Some—like Flair or Vince McMahon—still reflect warmth, shared history, or loyalty. Others—Booker T, Mark Henry, The New Day, Titus O’Neil, and Seth Rollins—stand as reminders that respect in the ring does not erase hurt outside of it. For these voices, accountability, authentic remorse, and cultural awareness matter more than nostalgia.

Even as fans mourn, tributes and backlash alike reveal unresolved tensions. Hogan’s legend cannot be retrieved in full; instead, it’s fractured—admired and excoriated in turn, both pillars of his public memory.