Vince McMahon Upset With WWE Over Hulk Hogan Incident
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
In his first public interview in years, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon appeared in a new documentary to pay tribute to the late Hulk Hogan. He used the platform to sharply criticize his former company for how they produced Hogan's final television appearance.
The full comments aired in the new Fox special, "TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan," which premiered on Tuesday night. McMahon, who has been out of the public eye since his own controversial exit from WWE, did not hold back his frustration.
"That's Not The Way I Would Have Done It"
The documentary clarified that Vince McMahon's anger over Hulk Hogan being booed at the January 6th Raw Netflix premiere was directed at WWE's production of the segment. He felt the presentation was lackluster and did not give Hogan the special treatment he deserved.
"Setting up, so to speak, this larger-than-life superhero, you don't just let him walk out there," McMahon said (H/T to CageSide Seats). "He deserved something very, very special. More than anyone, they owe him... I got angry because that's not the way I would have done it and he deserved much more."
The Architect of Hulkamania
Vince McMahon's comments come from a deeply personal place, as he was the promoter and creative mind most responsible for the creation of the Hulkamania phenomenon in the 1980s. It was McMahon's vision that turned the charismatic Terry Bollea into the red-and-yellow-clad superhero who became the face of wrestling for a generation.
Sylvester Stallone, Hulk Hogan, inductee, and Vince McMahon
Sylvester Stallone, Hulk Hogan, inductee, and Vince McMahon
More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match
For decades, McMahon was famous for his hands-on creative style and his fierce protection of his top stars. His critique can be seen as the creator of a legendary character feeling that the new leadership mishandled his masterpiece.
A Fallen Titan On A Fallen Titan
This interview was Vince McMahon's first since he was forced to resign from WWE and its parent company, TKO, in January 2024.
McMahon's final comment in the documentary served as a final tribute to his friend and greatest creation. He referenced Hogan's famous catchphrase, stating, "One thing he said in character, which is 'Hulkamania will live forever.' Indeed, it is."
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