As WWE steps into the streaming world with Netflix, iconic wrestler Hulk Hogan received lukewarm reception from fans when showing up at the event in Los Angeles.
- January 7, 2025
AceShowbiz - The wrestling world was abuzz as WWE made its highly anticipated debut on Netflix with the January 6 episode of "Monday Night Raw." However, while the collaboration between WWE and the streaming giant was a hit, not every returning legend received a hero's welcome. Hulk Hogan's appearance stood out for all the wrong reasons.
Once one of the most celebrated figures in WWE history, Hogan made a surprise entrance midway through the show. Accompanied by his classic walk-out song "Real American" and his longtime ally Jimmy Heart, Hogan aimed to promote his Real American Beer brand. Yet, the reception from the crowd at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles was anything but warm, with boos echoing throughout the arena.
One audience member, who shared a video of Hogan's entrance on X, wrote, "Watching Hulk Hogan get annihilated with boos while trying to sell his ripoff Bud Light beer was effing IN-CREDIBLE. And I grew up a Hulkamaniac."
This icy reception can be traced back to Hogan's controversial past. Originally rising to fame in the early '80s, Hogan faced scrutiny when a tape from 2007 emerged, revealing him using a racial slur. In response, WWE cut him from their Hall of Fame in 2015, only to reinstate him three years later.
More recently, Hogan has drawn further ire by becoming a vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, even speaking at a Trump rally in Madison Square Garden.
Ironically, Hogan's speech during "Monday Night Raw" focused on partnership and unity. "In the past, I've had a whole bunch of partners down the line," Hogan began. "The greatest partner the WWE has ever had, is the fact that tonight, we're making history, and the WWE has tag teamed up with Netflix, the greatest tag team partner of all time."
His attempt to align WWE's new partnership with Netflix to his own storied history in wrestling fell flat with the audience.
Contrasting Hogan's reception, other WWE legends were met with applause and excitement. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson opened the show and later appeared alongside his cousin Roman Reigns.
John Cena also appeared at the event, announcing his 2025 retirement tour and his participation in the upcoming Royal Rumble. The Undertaker was in attendance as well, congratulating Rhea Ripley on her championship win over Liv Morgan.
In the female department, retired fighter Nikki Bella graced the red carpet, making her first red carpet event since her bitter divorce from Artem Chigvintsev in 2024.
Aside from these iconic appearances, the night featured intense matches with Jey Uso defeating Drew McIntyre and CM Punk coming out on top against Seth Rollins in the main event.
This debut on Netflix marks a new chapter for WWE as it aims to reach younger audiences through the popular streaming platform. Yet, as the mixed reactions to Hogan's appearance demonstrate, not all past legends are embraced with the same fondness in today's wrestling community.
