Hulk Hogan asks forgiveness for rant, introspects on what latest scandal has taught him, more

Hulk Hogan says he is not a racist and begged for forgiveness in the interview

With his signature leg drop, horseshoe moustache and undeniable strength, the 12-time World Champion single-handedly transformed wrestling into a global phenomenon, but he's now fighting to maintain his legacy after fallout over his admitted use of the n-word. In an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Amy Robach that aired Monday on "Good Morning America" a contrite and emotional Hogan talked about the circumstances surrounding his use of the n-word. He steadfastly denied being a racist and begged his fans for forgiveness. Hogan says he was very mad at daughter Brooke at the time and had no idea he was being recorded.

Robach asked Hogan if he was a racist and he said no. He said he’s embarrassed by what he said and blamed the rough neighborhood of South Tampa that he grew up in, saying people greeted each other with “that word” all the time like it was nothing. Hogan was asked if he wants fans to forgive him and he said he did. Hogan says he’s just Terry Bollea, a regular man.

The man behind the once-indestructible “Hulkster” was wiped from the WWE's Hall of Fame last month after his use of the racial slur was revealed. Hogan admitted WWE scrubbing him from history hurt him. Hogan got emotional again when Robach read Brooke’s Instagram post defending her dad. He talked about how Brooke has been supportive. It was said Hogan would give his right arm to get back into pro wrestling.

Hogan in a quest to improve his battered image is breaking his silence. Last Friday, Hogan spoke to the People Magazine to discuss the racist comments that were revealed by The National Enquirer recently. Below are some quotes:

“I’m a good person. I’m not a racist. I made one horrible mistake.”

“When I grew up, it was something that was inherited generation after generation. That was part of my daily environment.”

“My anger was directed towards Brooke. It wasn’t a racial slur against him. If anyone was going to kick me to the curb or have nothing to do with me, it would be my daughter. She came to me with nothing but love and said, ‘Dad, I love you so much.’”

“Behind this dark cloud is going to be this huge shiny blessing and I’m going to get help people with this. I get to explain to them that even in the locker room when you’re talking smack, it’s not cool. I would love to see it taken out of the dictionary.”

“What I have learned is that I’ve got this huge built in support system with all the people that have known me, watched me and worked with me. They know that just this one instance is not who I am.”