WWE’s partnership with Netflix has been a success, but not every star has been warmly welcomed by fans. During Monday Night Raw, Hulk Hogan made a surprise appearance to promote his beer brand’s collaboration with WWE. Standing in front of an American flag, Hogan gave a brief speech, but the reaction from the audience at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles was less than enthusiastic.
As Hogan spoke, the crowd responded with boos, and many viewers in the arena were seen giving thumbs-down gestures. The negative reaction grew louder as he continued his pitch, making it clear that his appearance was not well-received.
Hogan’s recent activities might explain the audience’s chilly response. In October, he had spoken at Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden, voicing support for the former president. Hogan even expressed interest in working with Trump’s administration, specifically teaming up with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the president-elect’s pick for HHS secretary.
In a Fox News interview, Hogan explained his perspective, comparing politics to wrestling. He said that building excitement in both arenas often involves creating dramatic angles. Hogan shared that he pitched the idea of teaming up with Kennedy Jr. to promote health and fitness, calling them the “MAGA-powers,” a play on the wrestling term “mega powers.” He envisioned Kennedy focusing on nutrition while Hogan would inspire kids to get in shape.
Monday Night Raw was not all boos and controversy, though. The star-studded episode featured appearances from fan favorites like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, adding to the excitement of the evening.
WWE’s multiyear deal with Netflix, signed last January, has allowed the company to bring premium live events like Monday Night Raw to a wider audience. While the partnership has been celebrated, moments like Hogan’s reception serve as a reminder of how personal and political affiliations can influence fan reactions in the world of sports entertainment.
