Hulk Hogan’s Death Resurfaces Painful Contradictions for Black Wrestling Fans

July 30, 2025

Hulk Hogan's recent death at age 71 has evoked deeply divided reactions among wrestling fans, especially in the Black community. While many celebrate Hogan's iconic status and undeniable influence in popularizing professional wrestling, others cannot separate his legacy from his documented racist comments, including slurs captured on recordings in 2007. Black wrestling enthusiasts like Kazeem Famuyide, who hosts "The Ringer Wrestling Show," express complex feelings about Hogan—acknowledging his childhood hero status while criticizing his apparent lack of genuine remorse for racist statements.

Who is affected

Black wrestling fans and commentators (including Kazeem Famuyide, Bomani Jones, Lyric Swinton, and Master Tesfatsion)
WWE community and professional wrestlers, particularly Black wrestlers
Hulk Hogan's family and close associates
General wrestling audience and pop culture consumers
Media outlets covering Hogan's legacy

What action is being taken

Wrestling fans and commentators are publicly discussing and debating the complexities of Hogan's legacy
Notable figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson are paying tribute to Hogan despite the controversies
Media outlets are presenting both celebratory remembrances and critical examinations of Hogan's life
Black wrestling enthusiasts are sharing personal stories about their conflicted relationship with Hogan and WWE

Why it matters

Hogan's legacy represents a significant cultural contradiction—being both a beloved icon who expanded wrestling's popularity and someone who expressed racist views
The divided response highlights ongoing racial tensions within professional wrestling and American society
It raises questions about how to reconcile a public figure's positive contributions with their harmful actions
The controversy illustrates how wrestling has mirrored broader American cultural issues, including racism and representation
It demonstrates the emotional complexity for fans who must reconcile their love of wrestling with its problematic elements

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint