Triple H Unveils the Shocking Truth Behind WWE Wrestlers’ Hatred for Hulk Hogan

The Complex Legacy of Hulk Hogan: Betrayal, Controversy, and Reckoning

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Introduction

Hulk Hogan, a name synonymous with professional wrestling, has long been a figure of adoration and disdain. While many fans remember him as the all-American hero of the 1980s, behind the scenes, his actions have left a trail of betrayal and controversy that continues to resonate throughout the wrestling community. From his infamous political maneuvers to his shocking personal revelations, Hogan’s legacy is one of complexity and contradiction.

The Betrayal of Vince McMahon

In 1994, amidst the chaos of the steroid trial, Hogan made a move that would send shockwaves through the wrestling world: he signed with WCW, WWE’s biggest rival. This act of defection was not merely a business decision; it was a personal betrayal that left Vince McMahon feeling blindsided and heartbroken. McMahon had invested heavily in Hogan, transforming him into a massive star. In the Netflix documentary Mr. McMahon, Vince expressed his deep hurt, stating that Hogan’s switch to WCW “broke his heart.”

The Game-Changing Heel Turn

Hogan’s move to WCW was further complicated by his shocking heel turn at Bash at the Beach in 1996, where he revealed himself as the third man in the formation of the New World Order (NWO). This transformation allowed Hogan to shed his all-American persona and embrace a more self-serving character. While this new version of Hogan was captivating television, it also exposed a darker side to his nature—a manipulative politician who prioritized his own interests over the future of wrestling.

Backstage Politics and Manipulation

Hogan’s influence in WCW was marked by his refusal to elevate younger talent. For instance, he publicly belittled Billy Kidman, claiming he “couldn’t draw flies at a flea market.” Eric Bischoff confirmed that Hogan used his creative control to keep younger wrestlers down, prioritizing his own position over the growth of the industry. This pattern of behavior was evident throughout Hogan’s career, as he consistently opted to maintain his status rather than support the next generation of wrestlers.

The Controversial Return to WWE

In 2002, Hogan returned to WWE after McMahon bought WCW. Initially positioned as a heel, Hogan’s overwhelming popularity at WrestleMania X8 forced WWE to turn him face again. However, this led to one of the most controversial championship reigns in wrestling history, particularly regarding his feud with Triple H. Hogan’s unexpected title win at Backlash disrupted Triple H’s momentum after his return from injury, causing frustration for the younger star.

The Unraveling of Hogan’s Reputation

Hogan’s legacy took a severe hit in 2015 when a leaked sex tape revealed his use of racial slurs and prejudiced comments about his daughter’s dating choices. This scandal was not a one-time lapse but rather a reflection of a troubling pattern of racist attitudes. The backlash was swift, with wrestlers like CM Punk and MVP openly condemning Hogan. The revelation that Hogan had harbored these views while maintaining a public persona of inclusivity was a betrayal felt deeply by many in the wrestling community.

The Fallout

The fallout from the scandal was significant. Hogan was fired from WWE, removed from the Hall of Fame, and erased from programming. His actions recontextualized his entire career, shedding light on why he had been reluctant to put over black wrestlers and why his backstage politics were often perceived as self-serving.

Personal Turmoil and Legal Battles

Hogan’s personal life was just as tumultuous. His messy divorce from Linda Hogan included allegations of infidelity, and the family’s reality show, Hogan Knows Best, showcased the chaos within their household. Furthermore, Hogan’s son Nick’s involvement in a serious car accident raised questions about Hogan’s character, especially when leaked jail calls revealed Hogan making insensitive comments about the incident.

The Gawker Lawsuit

Hogan’s legal battles extended to a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker Media over the release of the sex tape. While he won $140 million in damages, this victory did little to restore his reputation among peers who had long dealt with his backstage politics and manipulative behavior.

The Final Chapter

Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, from cardiac arrest. His death prompted a complex reaction from the wrestling community. Triple H, now WWE’s chief content officer, paid tribute to Hogan, acknowledging his impact while carefully navigating the controversies that surrounded him. The response from fans and wrestlers was similarly divided, reflecting generational divides in their perspectives on Hogan’s legacy.

A Legacy of Complexity

As the wrestling world grapples with Hogan’s legacy, it becomes clear that his story is one of incredible success marred by a series of problematic behaviors. While he undoubtedly changed the landscape of professional wrestling, the cost of that