Hulk Hogan’s WWE Return Met with Booing at RAW Premiere
Hulk Hogan made an appearance during the WWE Raw Netflix premiere, but the Hall of Famer’s return did not go as anticipated. Instead of the usual applause and cheers, he was met with a chorus of boos from the live audience at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
The scene unfolded as Hogan entered the arena with his legendary manager, Jimmy Hart. Despite Hogan’s efforts to connect with the audience by recalling his fond experiences with WWE, he received a less than warm reception. Hogan remarked, ‘The greatest part of my life was being part of this great WWE, guys,’ but his attempts to engage the crowd were met with rejection.
This backlash against Hogan, a wrestling icon, surprised many, especially as he has been a celebrated figure in the wrestling world for decades. However, as noted by former WWE writer Vince Russo, there has been a significant shift in what today’s wrestling fans desire, which may explain the lack of affection shown towards Hogan.
Russo commented, ‘Everybody knows who Hulk Hogan is, like everybody knows! You didn’t have to watch one wrestling show in your life to know who Hulk Hogan is. But there is no question about that. He represented an era of entertainment and not athleticism and this is not for that crowd.’ He emphasized that modern fans are looking for different qualities in their wrestling entertainment.
Hogan’s refusal to retreat in the face of the negative reception was notable. As he continued to promote his Real American Beer brand, he concluded his segment by showcasing a ‘Netflix Gets Raw’ shirt, an embrace of the partnership between WWE and Netflix.
This is not the first instance where WWE audiences have responded negatively to Hogan. His previous appearances at WrestleMania events were met with mixed reactions, indicating a significant decline in his favor among wrestling fans. Observers suggest that a large segment of WWE’s fanbase seems to be moving away from the nostalgia associated with the ‘Golden Era’ of wrestling.
In retrospect, while Hogan’s place in wrestling history is cemented, the current reception of his appearances raises questions about the long-lasting impact of past controversies, particularly those involving his comments that led to his earlier estrangement from WWE. His journey back into the fold has not shielded him from the evolving landscape of wrestling fandom, illustrating a complex relationship between legacy and modern appreciation.
Conclusion: As wrestling evolves, will legends like Hulk Hogan adapt to the changing tastes of fans, or will they be left behind in the annals of history? Only time will tell as we observe the reactions of audiences moving forward.
