Hulk Hogan Biggest Scandals: A detailed explainer on WWE legend's most controversial moments

Hulk Hogan's biggest scandals have been listed. He was one of the most recognized names in professional wrestling. His runs in WWE and WCW changed the industry. But behind the fame were many scandals that followed him throughout his life. Hogan died at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Florida home. His final years were shaped by controversies, family disputes, and public criticism. This article looks at the biggest scandals that affected his legacy.

Hulk Hogan Legal Conflict With WCW After Exit

Hogan had creative control in WCW, which he used to avoid losing to Jeff Jarrett. Vince Russo’s public remarks led to Hogan walking out and later suing WCW. The conflict contributed to WCW’s financial decline and eventual sale to WWE.

Grill Deal Lost to George Foreman

Hogan claimed he missed the call that would have given him the famous grill endorsement, which George Foreman eventually took. Hogan said he was picking up his kids and missed the opportunity.

Also Read: Hulk Hogan ex-wife Linda Hogan last Instagram post before Hulk Hogan death sparks emotion online. Here’s what she said

Hulk Hogan Disrespect Toward Mick Foley

Hogan once criticized Mick Foley’s wrestling style, calling it self-abuse. Fans and wrestlers saw this as an attack. Years later, Hogan apologized, but the damage to his image remained.

Hulk Hogan Black Eye Before WrestleMania 9

Hogan had a black eye during WrestleMania 9. He claimed it was from a jet ski accident. Others believe Randy Savage punched him after a disagreement. WWE discussed this in a later documentary.

Hulk Hogan Daughter Brooke Distanced Herself

Brooke Hogan stepped away from public life and her parents. She avoided the headlines involving her father and tried to stay out of public scandals after her music and wrestling ventures ended.

Hulk Hogan Negative Impact in TNA

Hogan joined TNA to revive the company. But his early comments upset fans. He ignored TNA’s history and caused changes that hurt the brand. His run is seen as a setback for the promotion.

Also Read: Hulk Hogan Family: All details on current wife Sky Daily, daughter Brooke, son Nick, ex-wife Linda Claridge

Hulk Hogan False Claims About Metallica

Hogan claimed Metallica once offered him a position as bassist. Band members denied this. The story added to a pattern of exaggerations from Hogan, damaging his credibility.

Undertaker Injury Accusation

After losing to The Undertaker, Hogan claimed the tombstone move injured him. Undertaker reviewed the footage and found no wrongdoing. He feared losing his job over Hogan’s false accusation.

Hulk Hogan Divorce From Linda Hogan

Hogan’s long marriage ended in a public split. Both accused each other of misconduct. Linda claimed infidelity. The divorce played out in the media and hurt Hogan’s public image.

WWE Dropped Hulk Hogan as Mr. America

Hogan made demands about money and refused to appear unless they were met. WWE aired footage of him unmasking as Mr. America to fire him on-screen without breaching contract terms.

Hulk Hogan Racist Remarks and WWE Exit

Hogan was caught on tape making racist comments. WWE ended their contract with him. He later apologized but lost endorsements and fans. The scandal severely hurt his reputation.

Hulk Hogan Fallout With Randy Savage

Savage believed Hogan played a role in his divorce from Miss Elizabeth. The story remains unclear, but the strained friendship added to Hogan’s off-screen drama.

Hulk Hogan Steroid Use Admission

During the 1990s steroid trial, Hogan admitted to using steroids. He denied that Vince McMahon provided them. Fans were shocked, as he had denied usage for years.

Hulk Hogan Refused to Lose Matches

Hogan refused to lose cleanly to Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. He used his backstage power to protect his character, upsetting fans and fellow wrestlers.

Hulk Hogan Rift With Brutus Beefcake

Beefcake, a longtime friend, stopped speaking with Hogan. Ric Flair claimed the fallout involved stolen property. The two later reconciled for a Hall of Fame event.

Hulk Hogan Fake Presidential Campaign

Hogan faked a campaign for the U.S. presidency in 2000. He used it for publicity before returning to wrestling. The stunt made fans question his intentions.

Hulk Hogan Controversial Political Appearance

Hogan appeared at a Donald Trump rally and joked about body-slamming Kamala Harris. The comment caused backlash and added another controversy to his public image.

Hulk Hogan WCW Contract Abuse

Hogan’s WCW deal gave him power over creative decisions. He used it to alter match outcomes, including the highly anticipated Starrcade 1997 match against Sting.

Blocked Wrestler Union Plans

Jesse Ventura tried to start a wrestlers' union. Hogan told Vince McMahon, stopping the plan. Ventura still asks for an apology, believing the union could have helped wrestlers long-term.

Hulk Hogan Car Crash Lawsuit

Hogan’s son Nick caused a crash that left John Graziano in need of lifelong care. Hulk's comments during jail calls caused criticism. Graziano’s family sued both Hulk and Nick.

FAQs

What was Hulk Hogan’s most damaging scandal?
Hogan’s racist remarks on a leaked tape in 2015 led to WWE ending their deal with him and losing fans across the world.

Did Hulk Hogan admit to using steroids?
Yes. During the 1990s trial, Hogan admitted to using steroids on his own, despite denying it publicly for many years before.