Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Hulk Hogan

Public opinion and media debates around Hulk Hogan—discover key moments of controversy.

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, is a celebrated American professional wrestler and media figure, considered among the greatest and most recognizable in wrestling history. He achieved global recognition with multiple championships, including six WWF/WWE titles. He is best known for his prominent roles in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF/WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), as well as appearances in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1976: Steroid Use Began

In 1976, Hulk Hogan started using anabolic steroids.

April 1982: Championship Win Overturned

In April 1982, Hulk Hogan seemingly won the AWA World Heavyweight Championship in St. Paul, but the decision was overturned due to the use of a foreign object.

April 24, 1983: Super Sunday Championship Reversal

On April 24, 1983, at AWA's Super Sunday event, Hulk Hogan pinned Nick Bockwinkel, but the decision was reversed later that night due to disagreements over merchandise earnings.

February 1988: Losing the Championship

In February 1988, Hulk Hogan lost the WWF Championship to André the Giant on The Main Event I after a setup involving Ted DiBiase and referee Earl Hebner. André then gave the title to DiBiase, leading the WWF President to vacate it.

1991: Royal Rumble Win and Championship Changes

In 1991, Hulk Hogan won his second consecutive Royal Rumble match and defeated Sgt. Slaughter at WrestleMania VII. He lost the title to The Undertaker at Survivor Series but regained it six days later at This Tuesday in Texas. The championship was later declared vacant.

1992: Royal Rumble and Steroid Allegations

In 1992, Hulk Hogan was eliminated from the Royal Rumble match by Sid Justice, leading to Ric Flair's victory. Hogan defeated Sid at WrestleMania after interference. News sources also alleged that Hogan was illegally sold steroids, leading to a leave of absence in late 1992.

November 1993: Leaving WWF

In November 1993, Hulk Hogan ended his affiliation with the WWF to distance himself from the ongoing steroid scandal surrounding Vince McMahon and focus on filming his television series Thunder in Paradise.

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1994: Acknowledged Steroid Use and Anti-Union Efforts

In 1994, Hulk Hogan acknowledged using anabolic steroids dating back to 1976 and admitted to discouraging efforts to unionize professional wrestlers.

September 1995: WCW Monday Nitro Debut

In September 1995, Hulk Hogan headlined the debut episode of WCW Monday Nitro, marking the beginning of the Monday Night Wars with the WWF. He feuded with The Dungeon of Doom, leading to a WarGames match at Fall Brawl where Hogan's team claimed victory. Hogan began wearing all black and claimed he had crossed over to "the dark side."

November 8, 1995: Title Vacated

On November 8, 1995, during an episode of Nitro, it was revealed that Hogan's title loss was allowed under the agreed contract clause, but controversy led to the title being vacated.

January 1, 1996: Title Shot Against Ric Flair

On January 1, 1996, Hulk Hogan had one more title shot against Ric Flair on an episode of Nitro, but was unsuccessful in taking the belt from Flair due to Flair being disqualified; he would not get another title shot until the summer of 1996.

1996: Heel Turn and Formation of nWo

At Bash at the Beach in 1996, Hulk Hogan turned heel for the first time in nearly fifteen years, attacking Randy Savage and aligning with The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall), forming the New World Order (nWo).

January 1999: Hogan returns to WCW and wins WCW title

In January 1999, Hulk Hogan returned to WCW during the "Fingerpoke of Doom" match, where he reclaimed the WCW title from Kevin Nash with a simple poke. They then reunified the nWo factions. The incident is widely seen as a key factor in WCW's decline in ratings and popularity.

June 2000: Feud with Billy Kidman

In June 2000, Hulk Hogan feuded with Billy Kidman. The feud was voted as the worst feud of the year by readers of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

July 9, 2000: Controversial segment at Bash at the Beach

On July 9, 2000, at Bash at the Beach, Hogan was involved in a controversial segment where he was scheduled to challenge Jeff Jarrett for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Due to a backstage dispute with Vince Russo, the match ending was changed to a worked shoot where Jarrett laid down for Hogan. Hogan won, disparaging Russo and the company on the microphone, leading to Russo firing Hogan and revealing his creative control clause.

2007: Hogan makes anti-black rant on leaked sex tape

In 2007, Hulk Hogan made an anti-black rant on a leaked sex tape that was publicized in July 2015.

2008: Hogan uses racist language in call to son

In 2008, it was reported that Hulk Hogan had used racist language in a call to his then-imprisoned son, Nick.

2012: Gawker Sex Tape Publication and Racial Slurs

In 2012, Gawker published portions of a sex tape and further leaked portions revealing Hulk Hogan using racial slurs.

July 2015: Publication of Hogan's racial rant

In July 2015, National Enquirer and Radar Online publicized an anti-black rant made by Hulk Hogan on a leaked sex tape recorded in 2007. Hogan apologized for the remarks, calling them offensive and inconsistent with his own beliefs.

2018: Hogan returns to WWE and apologizes to wrestlers

In 2018, Hulk Hogan returned to the WWE, and apologized to WWE wrestlers in a backstage statement. Several African-American wrestlers doubted the sincerity of Hogan's apology, due to Hogan warning wrestlers to be "mindful about being recorded without their knowledge" during his apology instead of addressing his comments.

January 6, 2025: Hogan makes final appearance at professional wrestling event

On January 6, 2025, Hulk Hogan made his final appearance at a professional wrestling event during the Raw debut on Netflix, where alongside Jimmy Hart he cut a promo advertising his Real American Beer. Hogan was heavily booed by the crowd, which received widespread coverage in the media.