WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan is once again at the center of controversy — and this time, Black wrestlers are not staying silent.
Following Hogan’s announcement of his new wrestling venture, Real American Freestyle Wrestling, in collaboration with Eric Bischoff, backlash has reignited over Hogan’s long-standing issues with racism and dishonesty. The new promotion, described as a hybrid of amateur-style mat wrestling and sports entertainment, is being positioned as a fresh take on the industry. But many aren’t buying the rebrand — especially those who remember Hogan’s past.
Former WWE star Shelton Benjamin and other Black athletes have openly criticized Hogan’s attempt to reclaim the spotlight, citing his 2015 scandal in which he was caught using racial slurs in a leaked audio recording. While WWE briefly distanced itself from him, Hogan was eventually reinstated into the Hall of Fame — a move that didn’t sit well with many in the locker room.
Now, with Hogan front and center again, Black wrestlers are calling out not only the hypocrisy but also questioning the sincerity of his new venture. Some have labeled it a “PR stunt” and are slamming Hogan for trying to capitalize on a niche market without properly addressing his past behavior or making amends in any meaningful way.
The controversy raises broader questions about accountability in wrestling, especially for legends whose legacies are marred by racism and other problematic actions. While Real American Freestyle Wrestling might be marketed as something new, for many, it’s simply a reminder of unresolved issues and selective forgiveness in the wrestling world.
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