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On July 24, 2025, professional wrestling icon Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, passed away at age 71 due to cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. His death prompted tributes from fans and public figures, including President Donald Trump, who called Hogan a "great friend" and a "MAGA all the way" supporter. However, Hogan's legacy is marred by a 2015 racism scandal that led to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame, drawing parallels to controversies surrounding Trump’s own history of racially charged statements. This article examines Hogan’s death, his unwavering support for Trump, their shared controversies over racist remarks, and how these incidents tainted Hogan’s legacy, with a verified comparison table supported by credible sources.
Hulk Hogan’s Death and Legacy
Hogan, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, revolutionized professional wrestling in the 1980s, turning it into a global phenomenon with his larger-than-life persona. His death was confirmed by his manager to Newsweek, sparking an outpouring of grief but also renewed scrutiny of his 2015 scandal. In leaked audio from a 2007 s£x tape, Hogan used the N-word multiple times while discussing his daughter Brooke’s dating life, even stating, “I am a racist, to a point.” This led to WWE severing ties with him and removing him from their Hall of Fame, though he was reinstated in 2018. The scandal reshaped public perception, with critics arguing that his racism overshadowed his wrestling achievements, as noted in an Andscape analysis.
Hogan’s Support for Trump
Hogan’s political alignment with Trump became prominent in recent years, culminating in a high-profile appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC), where he ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump/Vance tank top, declaring Trump his “hero.” Hogan cited Trump’s resilience after a July 2024 assassination attempt as a reason for his endorsement, stating in a Fox News interview, “When I saw him stand up with that fist in the air… I realized that’s what America needs.” This support persisted despite Trump’s own history of controversial statements, which some have labeled racist, suggesting a shared tolerance for such rhetoric.
Shared Controversies: Racist Remarks
Both Hogan and Trump faced significant backlash for racially insensitive comments, which have impacted their public images. Hogan’s 2015 audio leak, published by The Guardian, revealed him using racial slurs and expressing discomfort with his daughter dating a Black man. Similarly, Trump has been criticized for statements like his 2015 remarks about Mexican immigrants being “rapists” and his 2017 comments on the Charlottesville rally, where he suggested “very fine people” were among white supremacists. These incidents, detailed in sources like The New York Times, have fueled accusations of racism against Trump, paralleling Hogan’s scandal.
Impact on Hogan’s Legacy
Hogan’s racism scandal fundamentally altered his legacy. Once celebrated as an American hero, his image as a role model was shattered for many fans. Hindustan Times notes that the 2015 fallout led to WWE suspending his contract, and while he was later reinstated, the damage lingered. Posts on X reflect ongoing public division, with some fans separating the wrestler “Hulk Hogan” from the man Terry Bollea, calling the latter a “racist Trump supporter.” His alignment with Trump, despite shared controversies, further polarized fans, as his MAGA support amplified perceptions of insensitivity to racial issues.
Verified Parallel Table: Hulk Hogan and Donald Trump
Aspect | Hulk Hogan | Donald Trump |
|---|---|---|
Racist Remarks | 2015: Used N-word multiple times in a 2007 s£x tape audio, discussing daughter Brooke’s dating life, saying, “I am a racist, to a point.” [Newsweek] | 2015: Called Mexican immigrants “rapists” and criminals during campaign launch. 2017: Referred to “very fine people” among white supremacists at Charlottesville. [NY Times] |
Date of Incident | Audio recorded in 2007, leaked in 2015 (July 24, 2015) [Guardian] | June 16, 2015 (Mexican immigrants); August 15, 2017 (Charlottesville) [NY Times] |
Consequences | WWE terminated contract, removed from Hall of Fame (2015); reinstated in 2018 [BBC] | Faced public backlash, legal challenges; no formal political sanction but lost 2020 election partly due to polarizing rhetoric [Washington Post] |
Public Response | Apologized, claiming remarks were “unacceptable” and not reflective of his beliefs [ABC News] | Defended or doubled down on statements, often framing criticism as media bias [NY Times] |
Support for Each Other | Endorsed Trump at 2024 RNC, called him a “hero” [NPR] | Praised Hogan as “MAGA all the way” after his death, highlighting their friendship [People] |
Conclusion
Hulk Hogan’s death on July 24, 2025, closed the chapter on a wrestling legend whose legacy is inseparable from his 2015 racism scandal. His steadfast support for Trump, despite their shared history of racially charged controversies, underscored a complex public image. While Hogan’s contributions to wrestling remain undeniable, his racist remarks and political alignment have left a lasting stain, as evidenced by ongoing debates in media and among fans. The parallels with Trump highlight a broader cultural tension between celebrity, accountability, and political loyalty.
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