Hulk Hogan released the following cryptic tweet Thursday evening and moments later, a glance at the WWE’s roster saw the most recognizable face in professional wrestling conspicuously absent from the organization’s website.
Hogan was no longer listed as a WWE alumni or hall of famer. Hulk Hogan merchandise was also gone and Hogan is also no longer listed as one of the judges on the WWE TV show Tough Enough. A general search of his name still yields highlights from his WWE career. On Friday, the WWE confirmed to For The Win that they had terminated the hall of famer’s contract.
From the WWE: “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.”
The WWE has not disclosed what triggered the sudden termination but a person close to the matter confirmed to For The Win the accuracy of a National Enquirer report detailing audio of Hogan discussing his daughter Brooke with Heather Clem while the two were secretly filmed by Clem’s husband, Bubba “The Love Sponge,” is accurate.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
In the video, the Enquirer reports Hogan is heard saying, “I mean, I don’t have double standards. I mean, I am a racist, to a point, [expletive] [slur]. But then when it comes to nice people and [expletive], and whatever.”
And when discussing his daughter’s career, Hogan is heard saying, “My daughter Brooke jumped sides on me. I spent $2-3 million on her music career, I’ve done everything like a jackass for her.”
Hogan released an apology through People, saying that he used language offensive and inconsistent with his own beliefs.
“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,” Hogan told PEOPLE. “I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.”
Hogan’s representatives told For The Win they would provide “comments and explanations in a couple of hours.”
