Hulk Hogan, the iconic face of WWE for many years, received a humiliating reception just a few days ago. This left many wondering why the crowd treated someone almost synonymous with the sport so coldly. There are likely numerous reasons for this reaction, so let’s dive in.
Netflix’s new sports streaming model is proving successful. Despite a few glitches during the televised fight between Jake Paul and Tyson, their subsequent live stream of a holiday football match ran seamlessly. Because of this success, Netflix is fully committed to its current endeavor.
Netflix and the WWE have joined forces, making Netflix the ultimate streaming destination for today’s generation. As Netflix announced on Jan. 6,
“Viewers can now enjoy their favorite WWE shows, such as Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and premium live events, all in one place.”
A host of legendary wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, were invited to the launch. However, the crowd expressed their intense disapproval of Hulk Hogan’s presence by showering him with boos. But why?
The interconnectedness of on-screen and off-screen personas is a complex topic. While it may seem logical that audiences can distinguish between an individual’s public image and private actions, this belief is a myth. The actions of athletes, politicians, or entertainers outside of the spotlight undoubtedly affect how fans perceive them. Once an impression is formed, it can be challenging to alter.
One theory suggests that Hulk Hogan’s political affiliations may have played a role in the hostile reception from wrestling fans. Even though WWE is a non-partisan organization, it’s reasonable to assume that the majority of its fan base’s leanings could influence the audience’s mood at any given moment. It is noted, however, that other wrestlers with similar political views present did not face the same scrutiny as Hogan did. This only amplifies the curiosity behind his distasteful welcome.
According to MSNBC, the wrestler’s unpopularity among fans may stem from his history of using racially charged language. Oftentimes, claims of derogatory use of vernacular have no power if they remain pure speculation. In Hulk Hogan’s case, it’s a documented fact. The use of the language and the wrestler’s response to it are on record and widely publicized. As the New York Times cites Hogan, post-incident with included commentary,
“I guess we’re all a little racist,” he is reported to have said on the tape while discussing his suspicions that his daughter, Brooke, had been intimate with a black man.”
Given this, it is also plausible that this could have led to widespread disgust and subsequent expression of such.
Then there is the issue of ego and pushing business over everything. His self-promotional tactics during this event may have also been off-putting. Fans were there for the WWE, not Hogan’s latest product endorsement. Putting everything together, it’s easy to make a fair assessment. The boos indicate a matter of preference. They do not like the man and what he represents.
Hogan, a familiar face in the WWE for many years, may not have anticipated the reaction but should not have been shocked, either. Fans can be unpredictable. It’s unlikely that he’s not aware that many don’t like him. Perhaps he didn’t expect the boos to be so cacophonous.
Another viable question related to this scenario is the importance of his inclusion. Given the stigma attached to his persona, why did the promotional team include Hogan? Did he really need to be there? That’s a loaded question with a variety of answers, and it is hard to access impact probability related to inclusion post-implementation. For Netflix, there is certainly more to consider going forward following Hogan’s chilly reception. Like what?
Considering the media storm post-debacle, will receptivity of the programming wane in any fashion due to the connection? There is no apt response and any offered would be purely hypothetical. It is not illogical to deduce that the probability of a major impact is low.
Drama has always been the driving force in wrestling, so a little drama will not hurt. It might also be wise to keep in mind that out of sight also implies out of mind. This would mean excluding Hogan as a primary model for Netflix programming promotions going forward.
Hogan may feel unsettled by the hostile reception, but words alone cannot change people’s opinions. Several appeals might be necessary to shift the situation in his favor. At present, the situation stands as it is. If Hogan’s association with Netflix does have a negative impact on the bottom line, they could either slowly distance themselves or issue a statement disavowing any connection to his personal beliefs. Both are viable options for damage control if his ties prove detrimental.
No matter what, Hulk Hogan will always be synonymous with WWE. Hulk Hogan’s legacy, whether positive or negative, endures.
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