One of Kazeem Famuyide’s earliest memories is sitting on his father’s lap watching Hulk Hogan wrestle in the 1988 Survivor Series. His love of Hogan in the ring…
One of Kazeem Famuyide’s earliest memories is sitting on his father’s lap watching Hulk Hogan wrestle in the 1988 Survivor Series.
His love of Hogan in the ring became inextricable from what would become a lifelong obsession with the sport — including a yearlong role touring the country and writing scripts for WWE’s top talent.
“He was a superhero to a lot of people, including myself,” said Famuyide, who is Black and now co-hosts the WWE-themed podcast “The Ringer Wrestling Show.” He remembers Hogan telling audiences to “train, say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” often in front of giant American flags.
But for the 38-year-old Famuyide and other Black wrestling fans and sports commentators, Hogan’s death this week at 71 has resurfaced an irreconcilable contradiction in the iconic wrestler’s legacy: Hogan’s undeniable role in broadening wrestling’s appeal to fans of all backgrounds versus his well-documented racism.
“You never really got the feeling that Hulk Hogan truly felt remorse,” Famuyide said.
“The Right Time” podcast host Bomani Jones noted there were two sharply different reactions to Hogan’s death. Remembrances have split between those who see no need to harp on past controversies and those who struggle with his behavior that got once got him banned from the WWE.
“This was never going to be one where people were going to mourn quietly,” Jones said.
Hogan’s death drew remembrances from politicians, celebrities and fans alike, celebrating his accolades. Many applauded how he was able to parlay his wrestling persona into movie appearances, brand deals, a reality television show and notable political influence.
On Friday, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, whose fame arguably rivals Hogan’s acclaim, paid tribute. Johnson, the son of pioneering wrestler Rocky Johnson, one of the WWE’s first Black champions, said Hogan was a hero “to millions of little kids.
