Hulk Hogan is one of the most legendary names in professional wrestling. His name is synonymous with WrestleMania, red and yellow, and the rise of WWE in the ’80s and ’90s. But when Hogan made a surprise appearance at the Netflix Raw Premiere in 2025, something unexpected happened: he was booed. Loudly. Even as stars like Cody Rhodes, rocking his iconic WWE Cody Rhodes Jacket, drew massive cheers, Hogan’s reception told a different story.
For many longtime fans, the reaction was jarring. Why would an icon like Hogan get such a cold welcome on one of the biggest nights in modern WWE history?
In this post, we dive deep into the reasons behind the backlash, what fans were really reacting to, and what this says about the complicated legacy of Hulk Hogan in 2025.
What Happened at the Netflix Raw Premiere?
On June 3, 2025, WWE premiered its new era of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, marking a major shift in how pro wrestling is broadcast. The event, streamed live from Madison Square Garden, was packed with surprises, celebrity cameos, and throwback legends.
But when Hulk Hogan’s music hit, and the arena lights dimmed red and yellow, the crowd didn’t erupt in cheers like it once did. Instead, many fans booed, chanted “No more Hogan,” and held up signs referencing past controversies.
WWE cameras quickly panned away from the more vocal sections of the crowd — but the moment had already gone viral.
The Mixed Legacy of Hulk Hogan
To understand the boos, you have to understand the complex legacy of Hulk Hogan.
Yes, he’s a WWE Hall of Famer and arguably the most influential figure in the company’s history. But Hogan’s name has also been tied to multiple controversies over the years, including:
1. Racial Comments Controversy (2015)
In 2015, Hulk Hogan was caught on tape using racial slurs, which led WWE to terminate his contract and erase his name from their platforms. Although he apologized and was reinstated in 2018, the damage was long-lasting.
2. Repetitive Comebacks
Fans have also grown tired of frequent comebacks that feel more nostalgic than meaningful. Some see Hogan’s appearances as unnecessary, especially when younger talent is often overshadowed.
3. Changing Fan Demographics
Today’s WWE audience is younger, more diverse, and highly online. Many modern fans don’t feel the same emotional connection to Hogan as previous generations and are more vocal about accountability.
Fan Reaction Online: “We’ve Moved On”
The boos weren’t just in the arena — social media lit up immediately after Hogan’s appearance.
Twitter/X:
“Hulk Hogan coming back AGAIN? Read the room, WWE.”
“You don’t bring out Hogan on your big Netflix debut if you’re serious about change.”
“This isn’t the ‘80s anymore. We don’t forget.”
Reddit:
In subreddits like r/SquaredCircle, users debated whether Hogan’s appearance was tone-deaf. One post with thousands of upvotes read:
“This was a fresh start for WWE. They should’ve led with the future, not the past.”
The backlash highlights a growing sentiment among WWE fans: nostalgia has limits, especially when tied to problematic history.
WWE’s Silence on the Incident
Interestingly, WWE has not officially commented on the crowd’s reaction. During the Netflix broadcast, the audio was slightly muted, and producers tried to drown out the boos with music and crowd sweetening. Hogan did not speak long and exited the stage quickly after introducing the main event. Fans, meanwhile, couldn’t help but notice the stylish looks of several WWE stars sporting outfits from American Jackets, adding a touch of modern flair to the otherwise nostalgic night.
This strategic silence suggests that WWE may have anticipated the backlash — or at least knew it was a risk.
Who Supported Hogan?
Despite the boos, not everyone was against Hogan’s appearance. Older fans in attendance and online defended him, citing his contributions to wrestling and his past apologies.
“Say what you want, but Hogan carried wrestling into the mainstream. He deserves respect.”
“People change. He said he was sorry. We can’t just erase history.”
Still, the reaction showed that even legacy status doesn’t guarantee cheers in today’s WWE.
Why Did WWE Bring Hogan Back at All?
So why did WWE bring Hogan to the Netflix Raw premiere, knowing he might trigger backlash?
Possible Reasons:
- Symbolism: Hogan was the face of WWE’s first TV boom in the 1980s. Having him kick off the new streaming era could be seen as poetic.
- Brand Recognition: Like it or not, Hogan’s name still draws attention — from both fans and the press.
- Partnership Ties: Netflix may have encouraged high-profile appearances to boost debut buzz.
But the gamble clearly had mixed results, especially with younger fans.
Polls Show a Split Audience
Following the premiere, several wrestling blogs and YouTube channels posted viewer polls.
From Wrestling Observer:
“Should WWE continue featuring Hulk Hogan?”
- Yes: 38%
- No: 62%
Cultaholic YouTube Poll:
“Was Hogan’s return at Netflix Raw a good call?”
- Good move: 29%
- Out of touch: 71%
These numbers show a clear divide — but they lean heavily toward a generational shift in what fans want from WWE moving forward.
What This Means for WWE’s Future
The Netflix Raw premiere was meant to be a fresh start. And in many ways, it was. New sets, fresh talent pushes, and cinematic production all received praise.
But bringing back Hulk Hogan may have reminded fans of the company’s complicated past — just as it was trying to embrace a new era.
For WWE, the moment may serve as a lesson:
- Nostalgia is powerful, but not invincible.
- Fans today are informed, vocal, and quick to challenge tone-deaf decisions.
- The future of wrestling belongs to stars who reflect today’s values — not yesterday’s headlines.
Final Word: Hulkamania Has Faded
There’s no denying what Hulk Hogan meant to pro wrestling, and he’ll always have a place in the industry’s history books. But the boos at the Netflix Raw Premiere made one thing clear:
The audience has evolved. And today’s fans want a WWE that moves forward, not one that keeps looking back.
Hogan’s legacy will never be erased, but if WWE wants to lead the future, it must do so with fresh voices, new heroes, and a clear understanding of what today’s fans expect.
