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What’s the story?
Hulk Hogan finally opened up about his controversial dismissal from the WWE in 2015 in an interview with Fox News' OBJECTified show. He stated that he was caught off guard, by the news.
In case you didn’t know…
Hogan, one of the most famous wrestlers and biggest draws in the history of the business, was fired in 2015 when a sex tape of Hogan leaked, with him making racist remarks.
As a result of this, Hogan was fired and essentially erased from the company's history, with his Hall of Fame entry being removed from the WWE website.
Additionally, his commercial ties were severed, with his merchandise being removed and his likeness no longer featuring in WWE video games.
The heart of the matter
Hogan has stated he did not expect to be fired as a result of his actions. However, WWE felt the opposite and didn't waste any time in acting. This is what he had to say:
When I heard this was going to happen, I called them on a Thursday or a Friday. As I hung up the phone that night, they fired me in the morning. It really caught me off guard, I didn't expect it because the WWE knows who I am. I'm not that person, that's not who I am and that's not what I do.
Hogan believes that WWE acted hard and fast on this issue to prevent possible repercussions from their own sponsors and revenue feeds.
What’s next?
For Hogan, the future is far from certain, he has disappeared from public life since the firing. The bar 'Hogan's Beach' which he had lent his likeness to and helped promote quietly dropped him and nothing new appears to be on the horizon.
For his part, Hogan stated candidly he was having problems dealing with the fact that his 40-year career in wrestling has been rendered null and void.
Hogan also admitted he didn't know if WWE would ever call him to come back.
Author’s take
The excerpt from Hogan's interview paints a sad picture, a legend, now all but forgotten. However, it cannot be denied that much of the damage is self inflicted.
There cannot ever be an excuse for the vile sentiments and repeated use of the n-word that Hogan demonstrated in his infamous sex tape.
Although one can argue WWE's actions were motivated largely by self interest, there was also a message to send - racism in all forms cannot be tolerated.
Hogan's statement that he did not expect to be fired, betrays either stunning naivety about what his words mean to a large section of society or shows that wrestling still has a long way to go in terms of progressiveness.
I would think it highly unlikely that Hogan will ever return, WWE has Dwayne Johnson and also John Cena in the not too distant future as perfect fits for the 'returning legend' role. Hogan's actions have not only erased his legacy, but also very possibly his future as well.
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