Hulk Hogan’s death has sparked a painful debate among Black wrestling fans and sports commentators, who are grappling with the contradictions in his legacy. For Kazeem Famuyide, watching Hogan as a child ignited a lifelong love for wrestling, but also created an enduring sense of guilt.
Famuyide recalls Hogan telling audiences to “train, say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” often in front of giant American flags. However, Hogan’s well-documented racism has left a lasting impact on the Black community. Famuyide believes that Hogan never truly felt remorse for his actions.
Reactions to Hogan’s death reflect America’s divide on race. Some fans celebrate his contributions to wrestling’s broader appeal, while others are still hurt by his behavior. Notable figures like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Booker T have shared tributes to Hogan, acknowledging his impact on the sport.
However, many people are quick to point out Hogan’s more contentious moments, including a 2016 lawsuit against Gawker Media for posting a video of him using racial slurs. The incident highlights the tension between Hogan’s public persona as a hero and his private behavior, which some find unacceptable.
Professional wrestling has a history of reckoning with racist tropes, but the debate around Hogan’s legacy continues to be contentious. Fans like Lyric Swinton and Master Tesfatsion share their own complicated relationships with Hogan, who represents both an emotional connection to the sport and a painful reminder of its darker side.
For many Black wrestling fans, Hogan’s death serves as a catalyst for confronting these contradictions. While some choose to acknowledge Hogan’s contributions to the sport, others are still grappling with the hurt caused by his racism. As one fan noted, “Hulk Hogan hasn’t tarnished the sport for all Black fans; he just made it harder for us to love it.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/hulk-hogan-death-black-americans-wrestling-legacy-bde576793d6de5954d8b903f33de5fb7