By now, you know that WWE, in a knee-jerk reaction to protect their PG brand image, totally distanced itself from Hulk Hogan earlier today, after the Hall of Famer was heard on tapes dating back anywhere from three to seven years ago, using the N-word several times in conversation.
This includes the now-infamous sex tape with the wife of his former best friend, Todd Clem, aka Bubba the Love Sponge. Hogan repeatedly, according to accounts, used the N-word in conversation with Heather Clem, including a description of his daughter Brooke's relationship with an African-American man.
In an era where the politically correct are hypersensitive to anything deemed offensive, Hogan left enough tracks for even Mr. Magoo to follow. But did WWE go too far with him?
It's one thing to withdraw Hogan's merchandise and profile from the website, but to deny his standing as a company alumnus and Hall of Famer? That sounds like Vince McMahon made that call. This is not the same as completely eradicating the late Chris Benoit from WWE history after the double-murder suicide came to light in 2007. Not even close. Hogan's had his issues with McMahon off and on over the last 22 years or so, but the hypocrisy of McMahon, as has been pointed out, tells a different story.
According to an online article I read earlier, and I didn't remember this happening, unless it was on a night when I wasn't home to watch, McMahon supposedly used the N-word on John Cena, directly in front of Booker T and his wife, Sharmell, in a skit on Raw. Of course, Booker infamously used the N-word on Hogan on Nitro many moons ago, which has become the stuff of internet legend itself.
Hogan was officially fired, meaning they now must fill the center chair at the judges' table in time for the next episode of Tough Enough on July 28. Anyone from William Regal (a good choice from where I sit) to even recalling Jim Ross to active duty could sit between Paige & Daniel Bryan and give the show an immediate upgrade. As presently constituted, Tough Enough is experiencing its worst season to date, and that could be caused by a number of factors, chief among those the decision to treat the show like any other reality competition series (i.e. American Idol), and let the audience decide who gets eliminated from week to week. The ratings are down across the board, TE included, and considering that it's been 4 years since the last TE series, well.....!
Did Hogan actually contribute anything? I only saw the first episode. I was not impressed, and the fan vote was a turn-off. Articles I've read of subsequent episodes bear this out. Hogan was looking for any reason to be on TV, when it wasn't needed.
However, 2-3 years down the road, don't be surprised if the pulsing sound of "Real American" begins playing again. If but for Hogan to finally, once and for all, say goodbye, on his terms. He knows he's made his share of mistakes, including this latest one. He has to live with it, as Booker said earlier. He has reconciled with McMahon before, and it'll happen again. It's as inevitable as death & taxes in this business.
