WWE’s former chief says Hogan “wasn’t racist” despite infamous remarks.

August 13, 2025 — Wrestling legend and former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is weighing in on one of the most controversial moments in professional wrestling history — Hulk Hogan’s leaked 2015 audio in which he made racially charged remarks.

“Not a Racist” — McMahon’s Take

In a recent interview, McMahon stated that while Hogan “said some racist things,” he does not believe the WWE Hall of Famer is truly racist. McMahon emphasized that the incident was a mistake rather than a reflection of Hogan’s core character.

The Scandal That Shook WWE

The 2015 audio leak led to Hogan’s temporary removal from WWE programming, a move that shocked fans and the wrestling world alike. At the time, WWE severed ties with him, removing his name from the Hall of Fame listings and erasing him from promotional materials.

A Public Reconciliation

In the years since, Hogan has publicly apologized multiple times and was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. McMahon noted that the wrestler has “done a lot of work” to make amends and rebuild his reputation.

Fans Divided Over the Remarks

While some fans agree with McMahon’s assessment, others feel Hogan’s comments left a lasting scar on his public image. The discussion has reignited debates on whether personal apologies can fully erase the damage caused by public scandals.