Hulk Hogan Booed During Netflix’s Monday Night Raw Debut: What Happened?
Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, 71, faced an unexpected wave of boos during his surprise appearance at the debut of Netflix’s Monday Night Raw on Monday night. The event, held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, marked a historic partnership between WWE and the streaming giant, but Hogan's reception overshadowed the occasion.
The retired WWE star, whose real name is Terry Bollea, appeared alongside longtime associate Jimmy Hart, wearing a vest promoting his new venture, Real American Beer. The beer brand recently signed a multi-year deal with Netflix, and Hogan attempted to win over the crowd with a spirited speech linking his legacy to WWE’s partnership with Netflix.
“You, the fans, have been my greatest tag team partner because you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin,” Hogan said, addressing the hecklers. He tried to pivot the crowd’s reaction by reminiscing about his legendary partnerships with wrestling greats like Randy Savage and Andre the Giant, before declaring Netflix WWE’s “greatest tag team partner of all time.”
A Mixed Legacy
Despite Hogan’s efforts to energize the audience with his signature enthusiasm, the boos persisted. The reasons behind the crowd’s reaction were unclear but likely tied to Hogan’s controversial past.
In 2015, a leaked video showed Hogan using racist language, leading to his temporary removal from WWE. Although the company reinstated him in 2018, the scandal left a lasting stain on his reputation.
Hogan’s outspoken support for Donald Trump may also have played a role. The wrestling legend actively campaigned for Trump, famously introducing him during the Republican National Convention in 2024 and at a Madison Square Garden rally. His fiery rhetoric, including coining “Trump-a-mania,” resonated with some but alienated others, even within the wrestling community.
WWE and Political Ties
WWE’s own connections to Trump might have further complicated Hogan’s reception. Linda McMahon, the wife of WWE founder Vince McMahon, has held prominent roles in Trump’s administration, including her upcoming appointment as Education Secretary.
Hogan’s continued alignment with Trump, coupled with the controversies surrounding his past, may have been too polarizing for the Netflix debut audience.
An Iconic but Complicated Career
Hulk Hogan’s storied career began in 1977, and he remains one of wrestling’s most recognizable figures. A six-time WWE champion and two-time Hall of Fame inductee, Hogan’s contributions to the sport are undeniable. However, his recent ventures and political affiliations appear to have divided the fanbase, casting a shadow over what should have been a triumphant return to the ring.
Whether the boos were a reflection of his past controversies or simply the result of changing audience dynamics, Hogan’s appearance at Monday Night Raw was a reminder of how even the most celebrated legacies can be met with mixed reactions.