Randy Orton Drops Bombshell: Why WWE Wrestlers Secretly Despised Hulk Hogan

For decades, Hulk Hogan was worshipped as the god of professional wrestling—a larger-than-life icon whose legacy shaped the entire industry. But as Randy Orton has just revealed, the real story behind the scenes was anything but heroic. In a series of shocking admissions, Orton pulled back the curtain on why so many WWE superstars secretly loathed Hogan, exposing a legacy of betrayal, ego, and broken trust.

.

.

.

Backstage Politics: Hogan’s True Power

According to Orton, the root of the resentment was Hogan’s ruthless backstage politicking. While fans saw the smiling, bandana-clad hero urging kids to “say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” wrestlers saw a manipulator who protected his spot at all costs. The most infamous example? Jesse Ventura’s failed attempt to unionize wrestlers in the 1980s—a move that could have given performers health insurance and retirement benefits. Hogan, once Ventura’s friend, secretly informed Vince McMahon about the union talks, killing the movement before it began. Ventura only learned of the betrayal years later in federal court, and never received an apology.

The Undertaker and Bret Hart: Betrayed by the Immortal One

Hogan’s betrayals didn’t stop there. The Undertaker, one of wrestling’s most respected figures, still remembers Survivor Series 1991. After losing the WWE Championship to Undertaker, Hogan claimed he’d been injured by Undertaker’s finishing move, putting the rookie’s career in jeopardy. Years later, Undertaker reviewed the footage and realized Hogan had lied to protect his own image—a move he called “devastating.”

Bret Hart, another legend, has never hidden his disdain. In 1993, Hogan refused to drop the WWE title to Hart, insisting Hart “wasn’t in his league.” Instead, Hogan chose to lose to Yokozuna, undermining Hart’s push as the new face of the company. Hart later called Hogan “a phony piece of shit,” reflecting a sentiment shared by many backstage.

The 2015 Scandal: Racism Shatters the Illusion

If Hogan’s politics and betrayals weren’t enough, the 2015 racism scandal destroyed his reputation for good. Secretly recorded audio revealed Hogan using racial slurs and expressing deeply disturbing attitudes. WWE responded by erasing him from their history—firing him, pulling his merchandise, and removing his Hall of Fame status. Black wrestlers like The New Day and Mark Henry refused to accept Hogan’s apology, calling it insincere and distancing themselves from his legacy.

Randy Orton’s Silent Protest

Orton’s own history with Hogan is telling. In 2006, WWE planned for Orton—the “Legend Killer”—to defeat Hogan at SummerSlam, cementing Orton’s rise. But Hogan refused, citing injury, and insisted on winning. The decision derailed Orton’s momentum and reinforced the perception that Hogan always put himself first, even at the expense of the business.

After the racism scandal, Orton quietly “liked” a post calling Hogan out, signaling his agreement with those who condemned the legend. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words—and Orton’s lack of public praise for Hogan in his final years spoke volumes.

A Legacy of Controversy

From Shawn Michaels to Shelton Benjamin, countless wrestlers have called out Hogan for broken promises, lies, and self-serving decisions. Even in his last interviews, Hogan seemed more interested in promoting products than addressing the damage he’d done.

Hogan’s death in July 2025 was met with muted responses from many of his peers—a final sign of just how deep the wounds ran. In the end, the legend of Hulkamania may have dominated wrestling for decades, but the truth behind the character proved far more powerful than any scripted storyline.

What do you think of Randy Orton’s revelations? Has Hulk Hogan’s legacy been forever tainted? Let us know your thoughts below.