In January 2025, Hulk Hogan made what would be his final live appearance on WWE Raw during its Netflix debut at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
In the last appearance, Huk Hogan, although he was expected to receive a warm welcome from the crowd, was met with loud boos as he promoted his “Real American Beer” brand while waving the American flag. The unexpected reaction from the WWE fans deeply affected Hogan, as his longtime manager, Jimmy Hart, later stated on the “Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw” podcast.
Hart shared that Hogan was devastated backstage, asking, “What do you think happened?” Hart attributed the boos to political divides, noting, “Hulk, it’s simple, blue state, red state.” Hogan, known for his conservative views and support for Donald Trump, stood by his actions, saying, “Jimmy, I have to do it. I think this is the right thing.”
Hulk Hogan just got completely embarrassed and booed out of the building. You can tell he was even shaken. I can’t remember anything like this in recent memory. Wow.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/bdL2WceVZO
— Robby The Brain (@RobbyTheBrain) January 7, 2025Reasons Behind the Crowd’s Reaction
The boos highlighted a generational shift in WWE audiences. Older fans recall Hogan as a charismatic icon, but younger viewers associate him with past controversies, including leaked racist comments. WWE veteran Booker T noted that today’s fans don’t connect with Hogan’s old-school persona, while Seth Rollins suggested the backlash was justified. Reports indicate WWE planned to limit Hogan’s role to pre-recorded segments or merchandise appearances following the incident.
HULK HOGAN IS BEING BOOED WHILE TRYING TO GLAZE THE FANS.
LMFAOOOOOOOO DESERVED 😭#RAWOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/1CN4AwNVXU
— TribaI Wrestling (@TribalMegastar) January 7, 2025Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, at age 71 from cardiac arrest, months after his appearance. The wrestling community honoured his legacy while acknowledging its complexities.
Read: Hulk Hogan Cause of Death: Wrestling Legend Dies at 71
Hogan’s final moment underscored how even legends can struggle with evolving fan expectations. His patriotic persona, once celebrated, clashed with a polarised audience. This event serves as a reminder of the challenges public figures face in maintaining relevance amid cultural shifts.
