WWE’s Netflix debut was supposed to be a slam dunk, a showcase of sweaty nostalgia and spandex theatrics. But leave it to Hulk Hogan, the human embodiment of a “Brother!” shouted into the void, to steal the spotlight—and not in a good way.
Monday Night Raw at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles featured some big moments: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and, oh yeah, an entire crowd booing Hulk Hogan off the stage. Hogan popped up to hawk his beer brand’s shiny new partnership with WWE, delivering a brief speech in front of a massive American flag. Unfortunately for him, the crowd was less “USA! USA!” and more “Boooo!” with a side of thumbs down for good measure.
Turns out, wrestling fans don’t forget. Hogan’s recent antics—like appearing at Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden in October—aren’t exactly a hit with WWE’s audience. The cherry on this cringe sundae? Hogan’s bizarre Fox News soundbite about wanting to tag team with RFK Jr. as the MAGA-powers. Yes, really. “Brother, if you tag team us up as the mega powers—the MAGA-powers—RFK Jr. can get them eating the right food, and I can get all of our kids in shape,” Hogan mused, apparently mistaking public health policy for WrestleMania.
Predictably, the audience at Raw wasn’t buying it. The boos were loud, long, and unrelenting, as fans made it clear that even Hogan’s trademark shirt-ripping antics wouldn’t save him this time.
Meanwhile, The Rock and John Cena waltzed in, basked in the adoration of the crowd, and reminded everyone what actual charisma looks like. It’s almost cruel how easily they upstaged Hogan, but hey, maybe that’s the price you pay for political grandstanding disguised as a beer pitch.
The night also marked a major step for WWE, with its shiny new Netflix deal kicking off. Monday Night Raw’s streaming debut represents WWE’s effort to expand its reach, and the partnership is a no-brainer for fans who want their suplexes and drama on demand. Too bad Hogan’s boo-fest will likely be the watercooler moment from this otherwise solid debut.
So, what’s next for the wrestling legend? Maybe a quiet retreat from the limelight—or at least some time spent rethinking his PR strategy. Until then, the boos echo on.
