Embattled World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Famer and former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan will no longer be included in "WWE 2K16."
The game's publisher, 2K Sports, confirmed the news that Hogan would not be a part of the game in a statement released to IGN.
"We are highly respectful of the way that our partners choose to run their business and manage our partnerships accordingly. We can confirm that Hulk Hogan will not appear in 'WWE 2K16,'" the statement from 2K Sports read.
News of the professional wrestling icon being taken out of the game comes in the wake of Hogan allegedly stating racially-insensitive comments in a yet to be released private tape.
In addition to Hogan being removed from "WWE 2K16," the majority of images and references to the former professional wrestler have also been scrubbed from the official website of the WWE, according to Game Rant. Hogan's profile and links to merchandise with his image and likeness being advertised on the website were also taken down hours after reports of the racial tirade began circulating online.
The previous game from the franchise, "WWE 2K15," featured Hogan prominently, with even a collector's edition of the game even being focused around him.
Hogan had said that he resigned from the WWE, a claim that has since been refuted with the company coming out to say that they chose to terminate the former professional wrestler's contract proactively.
In related news, more characters are said to be coming to the "WWE 2K16" roster, according to iDigital Times.
Initially, the list of new characters coming to the game included André the Giant, Alexa Bliss, The Rock, Triple H, and Hogan, but now it appears as though the new additions will dwindle to four.
As of now, the list of confirmed characters for "WWE 2K16" include cover athlete Stone Cold Steve Austin, Seth Rollins, Paige, Finn Balor, Dean Ambrose, Daniel Bryan and Bad News Barrett.
"WWE 2K16" will be released on Oct. 27.
