Note: This article first appeared on SportsSquawk.com as the Squawk of the Day (now only visible through the Wayback Machine) on July 26th, 2015
WWE Dismisses Hulk in Response to Racial Rant
You don’t expect the
National Enquirer to report real news, but they dropped a bombshell about the wrestler Hulk Hogan, on Friday, July 24th. Since the story broke, Hogan has been under fire for a racist rant and the use of the n-word after quotes were published, reportedly from an audio tape recorded in 2007.
WORLD EXCLUSIVE: HULK'S N-WORD RACIST RANTS CAUGHT ON TAPE – FOUL, DISGUSTING TIRADE LEAKS! http://t.co/j9VQQcQNda
— National Enquirer (@NatEnquirer) July 24, 2015
The Hulkster says he resigned, but considering the WWE claims to have fired him
Hulk Hogan apologizes for 'unacceptable' racist rant as he is scrubbed from WWE Hall of Fame http://t.co/U2HS075ZOk
pic.twitter.com/Li7Jmnd6kZ
— People magazine (@people) July 24, 2015
and removed him from the Hall of Fame, it seems more likely they dropped Hogan like a bad habit.
WWE has fired its decades-long icon Hulk Hogan amid a brewing controversy: http://t.co/GGWzVoGbeC
pic.twitter.com/pg8Vhir1kU
— CNBC (@CNBC) July 27, 2015
In fact, it's gone so far that even if you bought Hulk Hogan downloadable content for the latest WWE game, tough luck. The WWE has cut him out in every way.
Hulk Hogan DLC no longer available for WWE 2K15, even if you bought it http://t.co/Bj91lS13BA
pic.twitter.com/7GywopjuQk
— Destructoid (@destructoid) July 27, 2015
Considering the history of the WWE, longtime fans are surprised that Hogan was fired.
Warning:
Strong language appears in the video below.
So wait this is the conpany that fired hulk hogan!?! http://t.co/ctoZkB7VP4
— Kenny!! (@unrooolie) July 26, 2015
Hogan out of video games, but WWE fine with convicted rapist Mike Tyson appearing in WWE 2K13. #SMH
@TripleH
@VinceMcMahon
@WWE
@WWE2K16_
— Jeff Wilen (@JAWBreakerDBNJ) July 27, 2015
Many people disagree with the action taken, tweeting their support and signing petitions in the hopes of helping Hogan get his job back.
@HulkHogan
nearly 2200 people in one day showing love and support. Thank you bro. https://t.co/QMWTrqwAVO
— Dave Linton Rector (@RefDaveLinton) July 27, 2015
@HulkHogan
My family and I have met you 3 times, and saw you treat all with love and respect!! We believe in you!! pic.twitter.com/cmMdG5R8eu
— Chris Capriglione (@CCapriglione) July 27, 2015
Including his daughter, Brooke.
#BrookeHogan
releases poem/statement about her father #HulkHogan
on her Facebook page: @TNACreative
pic.twitter.com/mRLUr2LKsA
— Karen Catizone (@Mugsysam) July 24, 2015
In the meantime, Hogan has thanked all those still supporting him.
Thank u Maniacs 4 the love and support,it's amazing how many people know who I really am and stuck by my side,I will always keep my head up
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 26, 2015
Because of the love and support u have shown me ,thank u from the bottom of my heart oh love HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 26, 2015
In this new era of sensitivity (yeah, it still seems odd to say that about the WWE), it will be very interesting to see what the WWE does next.
