The much-anticipated premiere of WWE RAW on Netflix took place on January 6, 2025, at the Intuit Arena in California. While the event was historic for WWE, it turned out to be a night to forget for wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. The WWE Hall of Famer, often referred to as “Mr. Hulkmania,” was met with loud boos from the crowd during his appearance.
Hulk Hogan, a name synonymous with WWE’s golden era, made a surprise appearance during the show. He walked out to the ring alongside his longtime manager, Jimmy Hart, who was waving an American flag. However, the reception from the WWE Universe was far from welcoming. As soon as Hogan’s iconic theme music hit, the crowd erupted in boos.
The boos grew louder as Hogan began speaking. He tried to address the audience, but the negative reaction drowned out his words. Fans in attendance made it clear that they were not happy to see the wrestling icon. Social media quickly lit up with clips of the moment, with many fans expressing their disappointment.
This hostile reception was surprising, given Hogan’s legendary status in WWE. Over the past 40 years, Hogan has been a key figure in the wrestling world. He has held multiple world championships, main-evented WrestleMania, and delivered some of the most memorable moments in WWE history. His iconic body slam on Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III is still talked about today.
However, Hogan’s legacy has been tarnished in recent years due to controversies outside the ring. His past comments and actions have led to a divided opinion among fans. While some still see him as a wrestling hero, others have lost respect for him. This divide was evident during the WWE RAW on Netflix premiere.
The event itself was a major milestone for WWE. Moving Monday Night Raw to Netflix marked a new era for the company. The show featured several exciting matches and segments, including a title win by Rhea Ripley and a surprise appearance by The Undertaker. However, Hogan’s segment became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Fans on social media shared mixed reactions to Hogan’s appearance. Some defended him, calling him a wrestling legend who deserves respect. Others criticized WWE for bringing him back, given his controversial past. The hashtag #HulkHogan trended on Twitter, with thousands of tweets discussing the incident.
Despite the negative reception, Hogan remained professional during his appearance. He continued his promo, thanking the fans for their support over the years. However, the boos made it clear that not everyone in the audience was willing to forgive and forget.
The WWE RAW on Netflix premiere was a historic night for WWE, but it was also a reminder of the challenges the company faces. While the move to Netflix opens up new opportunities, it also brings increased scrutiny. WWE must navigate the delicate balance between honoring its past and addressing the concerns of its modern audience.
As for Hulk Hogan, this incident raises questions about his future in WWE. Will he continue to make appearances despite the backlash? Or will this be his final appearance on WWE programming? Only time will tell.
For now, the WWE RAW on Netflix premiere will be remembered as a night of highs and lows. While the show marked a new chapter for WWE, it also highlighted the complexities of wrestling fandom. Hulk Hogan’s boos serve as a reminder that even legends are not immune to criticism.
