Reports are coming in that the WWE is in the process of severing all connections from wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.
Hogan has had his presence pulled from WWE.com, been removed as a judge for Tough Enough and has had all Hulk Hogan merchandise from the WWE online stores removed. Only one shred of Hogan remains, as he is still listed as the General Manager for the upcoming Australian tour. Clicking on an embedded link to Hogan’s WWE profile leads to a blank page that reads “you are not authorized to access this page”.
Flickering MythA cryptic tweet by Hogan was posted after the clear out:
In the storm I release control,God and his Universe will sail me where he wants me to be,one love. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 24, 2015
Some reports are suggesting that the wrestler has been ostracised because of an apparent audio clip from October 2012 circulating of the star on a “racial tirade” in which he repeatedly uses racist language talking to a reporter about his early career. Renowned professional wrestling writer Dave Meltzer has commented, saying that there is “a rumour going round” that this could be the leading factor in Hogans expulsion.
Sources say they have also seen transcripts of yet-to-be-released audio in which Hogan – real name Terry Gene Bollea – uses racial terms reportedly aimed at fellow wrestler, The Rock. This is also backed up by American journalist Marc Lamont Hill, who tweeted: “…the transcripts that I’ve seen have Hogan calling The Rock the ‘N-word’ and ‘sambo’ among others.”
I haven't gotten confirmed audio yet, but the transcripts that I've seen have Hogan calling The Rock the "N-word" and "sambo" among others.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) July 24, 2015
The Internet is saying that Hulk Hogan has been recorded saying something so racist that WWE has scrubbed every mention of him from its site
— Andy Khouri (@andykhouri) July 24, 2015
And other bits of material have popped up online during this shitstorm, such as the following Instagram post that is currently doing the rounds at the moment:
Other reports have said that the fallout is down to Hogan’s ongoing $100 million legal battle with Gawker Media over his leaked sex tape.
Mark is the Gaming Editor for UNILAD. Having grown up a gaming addict, he’s been deeply entrenched in culture and spends time away from work playing as much as possible. Mark studied music at University and found a love for journalism through going to local gigs and writing about them for local and national publications.