WWE's Chelsea Green Says She Received Death Threats After Hulk Hogan Tribute
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Chelsea Green is stepping away from social media after receiving death threats in response to her tribute to Hulk Hogan, the late wrestling icon whose legacy remains deeply polarising.
The Canadian WWE star said the backlash to her comments—made during a televised segment and later reiterated online—quickly escalated into harassment, forcing her to take a break from social media for her mental well-being.
Newsweek contacted WWE via email for comment on Sunday outside of usual working hours.
WWE's Chelsea Green announces a Seattle Seahawks pick during the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 26, 2025.
WWE's Chelsea Green announces a Seattle Seahawks pick during the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 26, 2025.Why It Matters
Green said she is stepping back from social media following "the name calling, the death threats, the faceless accounts" in response to her remarks about Hogan.
The controversy began after Green, 34, appeared on CBS News 24/7 on Thursday, shortly after news broke of WWE legend Hogan's death, on July 24, 2025, at age 71.
In the live interview, she praised his legacy and reflected on her positive personal experiences with him, while briefly noting his "polarising political views."
Hogan had been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump prior to his death.
As reported by Wrestling News, her remarks, along with the now-deleted social media post, drew criticism from some fans who felt she downplayed the more controversial parts of Hogan's history, including the racism scandal that led to his temporary suspension from WWE in 2015.
As reported by Newsweek, in July 2015, Hogan was suddenly removed from all WWE programming and erased from the company's website after he was revealed to have used racist slurs in a private conversation. The scandal re-emerged following Hogan's death, reigniting debate over his complicated legacy.
The offensive remarks came to light as part of an investigation into a leaked sex tape that was central to Hogan's legal battle with Gawker Media. Hogan was found to have repeatedly used the n-word and made racially charged comments about his daughter's dating life.
WWE swiftly terminated his contract and released a statement reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Hogan later issued a public apology, calling his language "unacceptable" and stating it was "not who I am."
His removal marked a turning point for professional wrestling's engagement with issues of racism and accountability. As one of the sport's most iconic figures, Hogan's fall from grace sent shockwaves through the industry and sparked wider conversations about how entertainment companies handle misconduct involving high-profile stars.
What to Know
Green faced intense backlash following her live TV interview and social media post in which she spoke respectfully about the late Hogan's impact on professional wrestling, while acknowledging his controversial political history.
"Polarizing political views aside, he was an absolute icon," Green told CBS News 24/7.
"If it weren't for Hulk Hogan, there are many of us in the wrestling industry that absolutely would not be here. He inspired a massive generation, so it's a loss that we are feeling deeply in the wrestling community.
"I think all of the '80s and '90s babies really grew up with Hulk as their idol in one way or another," Green added later. "And I can't imagine what his family is feeling right now, but it's amazing to see the community—and not just the wrestling community, but the community—come together and honor an American icon."
Green echoed the same sentiment in a now deleted follow-up tribute shared on social media, as per the Irish Star.
"Political views aside, Hulk Hogan's influence on the wrestling world was clearly undeniable," she wrote. "He inspired millions and shaped an entire generation of fans, my husband included. We are mourning the loss of an icon... a legend. My love goes out to his family."
Green was accused of minimizing Hogan's past racism and not adequately condemning it. In a follow-up statement on X, Green emphasized her anti-racism stance.
"A significant part of my role at @WWE involves engaging w the public & responding to questions, often on live platforms.
"Yesterday, I was asked to comment on Hulk Hogan on live tv. Let me be clear: my stance on racism is unwavering. I do not condone it—period."
However, the criticism escalated to personal attacks, name-calling, and death threats from anonymous online accounts.
In a post on her X account on Saturday, Green said: "I've tried to keep my page positive and comedic, but today, a lot changed... and it hit harder than I expected. The name calling, the death threats, the faceless accounts.
"Social media was supposed to be a fun place and it hasn't been for a while. It's been overwhelming and I need to step away for a little bit."
The post has since had 1.1 million views.
What People Are Saying
In a previous X post before leaving the platform, Green said: "If my response (or tweet) seemed dismissive of real concerns, I sincerely apologize. That was never my intention. I tried to acknowledge a death respectfully, even when the legacy is complicated. I am learning one day at a time and will continue to learn."
What Happens Next
Green is currently on a social media hiatus and has not announced when she plans to return.
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