Hulk Hogan Shares ‘Regrets’ About Past Racial Slurs in Final Interview Before His Death: ‘I Didn’t Man Up’

The late professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has candidly reflected on the controversies that have marred his legacy in a new Netflix docuseries titled “Hulk Hogan: Real American.” The documentary features what would become Hogan’s final interview, recorded just three months before his passing in July 2025.

In this four-part series, Hogan addresses numerous scandals from his career, most notably a 2015 incident in which he was recorded using racial slurs during a conversation with his daughter, Brooke Hogan. Speaking about the fallout from the audio clip, he admits to feeling regret and acknowledges that he “didn’t man up” in the aftermath of the scandal.

“When I say I have regrets, it’s because I didn’t man up when I said it,” Hogan explained. The controversial remarks have lingered over his reputation, impacting not just his career but the perceptions of many fans and fellow wrestlers. Despite acknowledging his wrongdoing, Hogan described the personal circumstances surrounding his choice of words.

“I’m a person that got very mad over a personal situation. I used a word. Yeah, I regret it, because even under that heavy, crazy fire, I should have remained still and kept my mouth shut,” he stated. Hogan conveyed a sense of understanding about the lasting impact of his words, recognizing their “echo effect” and how they continue to resonate long after the initial incident.

The documentary revisits a television interview Hogan gave during the immediate aftermath of the scandal, where he attempted to express remorse but also sought to justify his language by pointing to his upbringing. “It was wrong. I’m embarrassed by it. But a lot of people need to realize that you inherit things from your environment,” he had told interviewers at the time. This explanation, however, garnered mixed reactions, with many perceiving it as evasive rather than genuinely contrite.

In July 2015, the fallout from the leaked audio resulted in WWE severing ties with Hogan. He was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame, and efforts were made to distance the organisation from a figure who once embodied its brand during the peak of his career. After a few years, however, WWE welcomed Hogan back, reinstating him to host the WrestleMania 37 event in 2021. Despite this comeback, controversies remained, particularly when Hogan publicly endorsed then-President Donald Trump in 2024, a figure similarly criticized for allegations of racist comments.

Hogan’s return to WWE did not come without its challenges. During his last televised appearance with the organisation in January 2025, the wrestling star was met with widespread boos from the audience, a reaction that his longtime friend and on-screen manager, Jimmy Hart, recognised as painful for Hogan.

In the documentary, Hogan seems to confront his complex legacy head-on, stating, “Not everyone’s going to love you. Some people hate me, but I’m definitely the greatest wrestler of all time. I’m Hulk Hogan.” This acknowledgment of polarising opinions seems to signify a level of acceptance regarding his public persona, which is marked by both adoration and disdain.

As the docuseries provides an intimate glimpse into Hogan’s life, it highlights the struggles he faced both personally and professionally while also focusing on the legacies of public figures in the face of scandals. The complexity of Hogan’s character and the controversies that surrounded him continue to spark debate among wrestling aficionados and the general public alike.

“Hulk Hogan: Real American” is now available for streaming on Netflix, and it promises to offer insights into the life of one of wrestling’s most storied figures, illuminating both his contributions to the sport and the significant hurdles he encountered throughout his career.