Overview

• In “TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan,” Vince McMahon insists Hogan paid for his racist remarks and maintains he “wasn’t a racist” despite the N-word usage captured in 2007 and 2008 tapes.
• Released in August following Hogan’s July death at 71, the documentary renews scrutiny over WWE’s 2018 decision to reinstate him to the Hall of Fame.
• Mark Henry recalls Hogan’s self-admission of racism and says he urged WWE to organize apology tours at Morehouse College and Prairie View A&M, a plan the company did not pursue.
• Fans’ boos at Hogan’s final WWE appearance in January 2025 underscored lingering skepticism about the sufficiency of his apologies for past racist language.
• McMahon’s defense arrives as his own reputation remains tarnished by a 2024 sexual misconduct lawsuit, prompting debate over accountability and corporate loyalty in wrestling.