World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan is making an unceremonious exit from the WWE scene after being terminated for being tied to alleged racist comments made years ago that have emerged in footage made public recently.
Apparently the controversial rant had something to do with his estranged daughter Brooke, whom he accused of possibly sleeping with a black man. Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, went off saying explicit remarks about the situation, all of which were caught on tape.
The tape apparently landed on the laps of the Enquirer and Radar Online from unnamed independent sources.
When news about the alleged leaked rant tape came out, it was initially announced by Hogan through his lawyer, David Houston, that the Hulkster had resigned from the WWE to spare his family from the widely blown exposé.
However, the WWE later made its own announcement, saying that Hogan was actually terminated and that they condone such behavior.
WWE's official statement via WWE.com on the matter read, "WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan). WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide."
A look at the WWE website will no longer reveal the Hall of Famer's profile. A search will still bring up links related to Hogan, although they will end up sending viewers to an unauthorized access page.
Hogan Remorseful
With the scandal out in the open, Hogan has accepted his wrongdoing. Bollea issued an apology via People Magazine in light of the rant issue.
"Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it," said the Hall of Famer in the statement.
He added, "This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise."
Prior to his termination, Hogan had solicited the approval of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to appear at Wrestlemania 32. The only condition was that Hogan must pass a physical before he could compete.
The purpose of that appearance was to give Hogan a proper sendoff to retirement. But after the current series of events, it looks like Hogan will end up exiting without that honor.
