As I watched WWE RAW on Netflix, I couldn’t help but stop midway through the event to process what I had just witnessed. Hulk Hogan, the legendary wrestler who once stood as a hero to millions, was booed off the stage. It was a moment so unexpected, so surreal, that I had to hit pause and put my feelings into words.
The night started with excitement. This was RAW’s debut on Netflix, and so far, I think the move has been a success. The show looks polished, the matches have been entertaining, and the production feels fresh. But nothing could have prepared me, or the crowd in LA…for what happened when Hulk Hogan stepped out.
Let’s set the scene. When Hogan’s music hit, there was an initial pop from the crowd, a mix of excitement and nostalgia. For a brief second, it seemed like the fans were ready to embrace him. But almost as quickly as the cheers started, they turned to boos. And not just a handful of boos…it was a wave that completely drowned out any support he might have had.
You could see it on his face. Hogan knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but I don’t think even he expected the reaction to be this harsh. He tried to rally, digging deep to redirect the crowd and bring them back on his side, but it was no use. The boos just got louder, and the moment spiraled into what felt like an embarrassing meltdown for one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.
So what happened? Why did the LA crowd turn on Hulk Hogan, a man who was once the face of professional wrestling?
There are a few theories circulating online, and honestly, they’re all worth considering. First, there’s the political angle. Hogan’s open support of Donald Trump at the former president’s convention a few months back didn’t sit well with everyone, especially in a place like LA. Could this be a lingering backlash from that decision?
Then there are the racial allegations from years ago. Hogan faced heavy criticism when audio surfaced of him making racist remarks. The backlash was severe, and he was essentially erased from WWE programming for a time. Although he has since apologized and made efforts to rebuild his image, it’s clear that some fans haven’t forgiven or forgotten.
Or maybe it was something simpler. Could the boos have been directed at the character of Hulk Hogan rather than the man himself? Wrestling fans are passionate, and they’re not shy about voicing their opinions. If they felt his appearance was unnecessary or out of place, they might have chosen to make their dissatisfaction known.
Whatever the reason, the reaction was shocking. Hulk Hogan, the man who carried WWE through the ’80s and helped make wrestling a global phenomenon, was treated like an outsider in an arena that once would have been his kingdom. It’s a moment that has already taken over the internet, sparking debates and discussions among fans around the world.
For those unfamiliar, Hulk Hogan’s career has been one of incredible highs and dramatic lows. He rose to fame in the ’80s as the ultimate good guy, the face of WWE and the inspiration for Hulkamania. His charisma and larger-than-life personality made him a cultural icon. But in recent years, his legacy has been clouded by controversies that have tarnished his once shining image. Despite these setbacks, Hogan has been trying to make a comeback, reconnecting with fans and stepping back into the spotlight. Tonight, however, showed just how tough that road might be.
RAW’s debut on Netflix was a big deal, and so far, I think it’s been a successful transition. The platform opens up new possibilities for the show and its audience, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here. But Hogan’s appearance will undoubtedly be the moment people remember most from this episode, not for the nostalgia or excitement, but for the overwhelming boos that sent a clear message.
As someone who grew up idolizing Hulk Hogan, this was hard to watch. Whether you love him or hate him, you can’t deny the impact he’s had on wrestling. Seeing him struggle to connect with the crowd was a reminder of how quickly things can change in this business. Fans are loyal, but they’re also demanding. And in the age of social media, every moment…good or bad….is amplified.
The mystery of why Hogan was booed will continue to fuel discussions in the coming days. Was it politics, past controversies, or just the mood of the crowd? Maybe it was all of the above. One thing’s for sure, Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE RAW was anything but ordinary……WOW
