Hulk Hogan, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, found himself on the receiving end of a hostile crowd during the premiere of WWE RAW on Netflix, which aired on January 6, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Despite his larger-than-life persona, Hogan's appearance at this historic episode of RAW stirred up mixed reactions from the Los Angeles crowd. Here’s a look at why Hogan, alongside his long-time manager Jimmy Hart, was met with such intense boos.
A Mixed Reception for the Hulkster
As the final 30 minutes of the show unfolded, the iconic duo made their entrance. Hogan, donning his classic charisma, attempted to engage with the audience by expressing how being part of WWE had been the "greatest part of his life." However, despite his efforts, the crowd's reaction was less than welcoming. As Hogan thanked the fans for their loyalty over the years, he faced a wave of boos, with only a few cheers sprinkled throughout.
The Controversy Surrounding Hogan
Hulk Hogan’s complicated relationship with WWE fans has largely stemmed from his controversial past. His past actions, including ties to the MAGA movement and his vocal support for former President Donald Trump, have contributed to a negative perception among some fans. These factors likely played a role in the overwhelmingly negative response he received during the broadcast. Even when Hogan promoted his “Real American Beer” brand, the boos persisted.
Hogan’s Big Netflix Reveal
During his appearance, Hogan ripped off his t-shirt to unveil a “Netflix Is RAW” shirt, hoping to make a bold statement as part of the historic debut. However, this stunt didn’t earn the reaction he had hoped for. Instead of the usual pop Hogan is accustomed to, the audience responded with a chorus of boos. Hogan finished his segment with his signature line, “Whatchya’ gonna’ do when WWE and Netflix run wild on you, brother!” but even this call to action couldn’t shift the mood.
WWE’s Ongoing Relationship with Hogan
Although Hogan had been somewhat distanced from WWE for a period due to his previous blackballing, he has gradually found his way back into the company’s fold. While he’s not part of WWE's weekly storylines anymore, his appearances at special events like this one demonstrate that he is still welcomed by WWE, particularly in such milestone moments like the Netflix debut. His time away from the spotlight has allowed for some of the heat to subside, but as this episode proves, certain aspects of his past continue to influence how the fans react to him.
Will Hogan Return More Often?
Given the mixed reception and the ongoing controversy surrounding his persona, the question remains: should Hulk Hogan make more appearances on WWE television? His status as a legendary figure in the wrestling world is undeniable, but the question of whether his presence contributes positively to WWE’s current direction is one fans continue to debate.