On January 6, 2025, WWE made history by streaming its flagship show, “Monday Night Raw,” live on Netflix. The event, held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, marked the first time the wrestling giant collaborated with a streaming platform to air its iconic show. Fans who tuned in were treated to appearances from WWE legends such as The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker, all of whom received enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience. However, one WWE icon, Hulk Hogan, experienced a very different reception.
Hulk Hogan’s Entrance to a Chorus of Boos
Hulk Hogan, one of the most recognizable figures in WWE history, made his highly anticipated entrance nearly two and a half hours into the live broadcast, accompanied by his long-time manager Jimmy Hart. As soon as the opening chords of his iconic theme song “Real American” blared through the arena, fans quickly realized what was happening. Unlike the cheer-filled welcomes that greeted The Rock and Cena earlier in the show, Hogan was met with an overwhelming wave of boos from the audience. The boos were deafening, and the crowd’s negative response was palpable as Hogan walked toward the ring. His entrance, which was supposed to elicit nostalgia and excitement, instead turned into a moment of discomfort for both the legendary wrestler and his supporters in the crowd.
Despite the hostile reception, Hogan did his best to maintain his composure. He addressed the crowd with his trademark enthusiasm, starting by promoting his “Real American Beer” brand, which he has been heavily endorsing in recent years. “In the past, I’ve had a whole bunch of partners down the line,” Hogan said. “I had incredible partners, like the Macho Man Randy Savage. I’ve had giant-sized partners like Andre the Giant. But 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.”
As he tried to connect with the crowd, it became increasingly clear that his efforts were falling flat. The boos continued, and Hogan was visibly uncomfortable, yet he pressed on, trying to promote his beer while also celebrating the WWE’s partnership with Netflix. The moment felt more like a marketing pitch than a heartfelt moment for fans, and that may have contributed to the overall negative reaction.
A Disastrous Promotion: The Real American Beer
Hogan’s attempt to promote his beer brand, “Real American Beer,” during the segment also did not resonate well with the audience. The beer, which is widely regarded as a low-budget and subpar product, became a symbol of what many fans saw as Hogan’s increasing focus on commercial ventures rather than his wrestling legacy. While other WWE legends were celebrated for their contributions to the sport, Hogan’s pitch for his beer seemed out of place, and many fans took to social media to express their disappointment.
One fan posted a video of the moment on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Watching Hulk Hogan get annihilated with boos while trying to sell his ripoff Bud Light beer was effing INCREDIBLE. And I grew up a Hulkamaniac.” This sentiment was echoed by others, who criticized Hogan for what they perceived as a cringeworthy attempt at using WWE’s massive platform for personal gain.
Why the Backlash? Hogan’s Troubled Past
While Hogan’s unwelcoming reception on January 6 can be partially attributed to his out-of-touch promotion, it’s important to acknowledge the larger context surrounding his public persona, which has been marred by controversies over the years. In 2015, a tape surfaced of Hogan using racial slurs, leading to a backlash from fans and the WWE itself. As a result, Hogan was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame, and his contract with the company was terminated. The scandal significantly tarnished his reputation, and many fans, especially those of color, saw his actions as unforgivable.
Hogan’s attempt at redemption came in 2018 when the WWE reinstated him into the Hall of Fame. However, for many, his actions during the height of the controversy remain a stain on his legacy. His subsequent public endorsements of then-President Donald Trump and his political rhetoric only deepened the divide between Hogan and a portion of WWE’s fanbase. For some, Hogan became a polarizing figure, no longer the hero they once admired, but a symbol of divisiveness.
Political Stance and Polarization
Hogan’s support for Donald Trump has also been a source of contention. His outspoken political views and his alignment with Trump, a figure whose policies and actions have been divisive, led many fans to distance themselves from him. While some fans still see Hogan as a hero, especially for those who grew up watching him in the ’80s and ’90s, others view his politics as a betrayal of the inclusive, family-friendly image that WWE has tried to project in recent years. His political views have only intensified the negative feelings towards him, especially among those who see him as a symbol of a bygone era of wrestling that was more divisive than uniting.
A Stark Contrast: The Applauses for Other WWE Legends
Hogan was not the only WWE legend to make a cameo during the special Netflix edition of “Monday Night Raw.” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is considered one of the most beloved WWE Superstars of all time, kicked off the show with a powerful appearance. The Rock, always charismatic and engaging with the fans, received loud cheers as he entered the arena. His natural connection with the audience and his undeniable star power set a positive tone for the night.
Later, John Cena also made an appearance, declaring that he would be participating in the 2025 Royal Rumble as part of his retirement tour. Cena’s announcement was met with a rousing ovation, as fans eagerly anticipate his final run in the WWE. Similarly, The Undertaker, another WWE icon, made a surprise appearance to congratulate Rhea Ripley after her championship victory over Liv Morgan. Ripley’s win was a major highlight of the evening, and The Undertaker’s endorsement added to the significance of the moment. Unlike Hogan, these stars were embraced by the audience, further highlighting the contrast between Hogan’s cold reception and the love shown to other WWE legends.
Wrestling Action: Major Matches of the Night
In addition to the superstar appearances, the night featured several exciting matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Jey Uso faced Drew McIntyre in a thrilling contest, with Uso coming out on top. This victory added another chapter to the ongoing storyline involving the Uso family and their connection to Roman Reigns.
In the brutal main event, CM Punk squared off against Seth Rollins in a highly anticipated match that left fans talking long after the show ended. Punk’s victory solidified his position as one of WWE’s top talents and added excitement to an already action-packed night.
Another key moment occurred in the women’s division, where Rhea Ripley defeated Liv Morgan in a hard-fought battle to reclaim the Women’s World Championship. The win was a major moment for Ripley, who has been one of the top stars in the women’s division for the past several years. Her victory was one of the most talked-about moments of the evening, further cementing her place as one of the most dominant forces in WWE today.
A Historic Raw, But Not for Hogan
The January 6, 2025 edition of “Monday Night Raw” on Netflix was a historic event for WWE, marking the company’s first collaboration with a major streaming platform. While the night featured several memorable moments, including appearances from The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan’s reception was a stark reminder of how his past controversies have impacted his legacy. What should have been a nostalgic moment for fans turned into an uncomfortable scene, as the boos rained down on Hogan.
Whether or not Hogan will be able to reclaim the affection of the WWE Universe remains to be seen. However, his appearance at this Netflix debut only added to the growing distance between the legend and the fans who once revered him. As WWE continues to evolve and adapt to the modern era, it seems that the once untouchable Hulk Hogan may have to confront the consequences of his actions in a way that resonates with a new generation of fans.
