Mixed Reactions Follow Hulk Hogan's Death: Tributes and Online Controversy

The death of WWE legend Hulk Hogan at the age of 71 from cardiac arrest has sparked a wave of online backlash that, for many, has overshadowed traditional mourning. Once hailed as the face of wrestling's golden era, Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, now finds his legacy entangled in decades of personal controversy. While tributes have emerged from fans and fellow wrestlers, large swathes of social media have been flooded with sarcastic memes, celebratory posts and biting commentary, revealing just how sharply public sentiment toward the once-beloved 'Hulkster' has shifted.

A Hero Turned Pariah in The Public Eye

While Hulk Hogan was instrumental in bringing wrestling into mainstream pop culture with his signature charisma and catchphrases, his later years were marked by scandal. From a high-profile sex tape lawsuit that bankrupted media outlet Gawker to leaked audio of him using racist slurs in 2007, Hogan's reputation never fully recovered. WWE distanced itself from him in 2015, only to reinstate him later—a move that many fans criticised. His public support for Donald Trump and comments against workers' unions further alienated large portions of his fanbase, leading to growing resentment that is now spilling over in death.

Internet Reaction

On social media, users have been quick to point out that Hogan's cultural impact does not erase the harm caused by his actions. While some still acknowledge his contributions to wrestling and entertainment, many view his passing as an opportunity to critique how fame often shields problematic behaviour.

The mixed response underscores a broader reckoning with celebrity legacies in the digital age, where even death does not shield one from accountability. In the case of Hulk Hogan, the internet has spoken, and it is far from kind.