In his first major on-camera interview since his own departure from WWE and TKO, Vince McMahon addressed the controversy surrounding Hulk Hogan’s racist remarks in the new television special, “TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan,” which aired Tuesday night on FOX. McMahon called Hogan’s comments “unforgivable” but also defended the decision to eventually bring him back into the WWE family.
“It Was Unforgivable”
The documentary special covered the infamous 2012 sex tape scandal, which included audio of Hogan making racist remarks that led to his temporary removal from WWE in 2015. McMahon shared his initial reaction to hearing the comments. “It was unforgivable and I was agasp, ‘What happened?’ When those things occurred, that’s not like him. ‘What in God’s name is going on?’” McMahon said.
Immediate Action
McMahon explained that once the comments became public, the company had no choice but to sever ties with its biggest star. “As soon as it happened, obviously, the company didn’t have anything to do with him anymore. We took him out of the Hall of Fame. You just don’t do those things,” he stated.
Defending the Reinstatement
However, Hogan was later reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 after making numerous public apologies. McMahon firmly defended that decision, making a distinction between Hogan’s words and his character. “I knew he wasn’t racist. I’ve been with him for so many years. He wasn’t a racist. He said some racist things. He should pay for that, and he did,” McMahon explained. “In the end, I think everyone saw the real Hulk Hogan, Terry Bollea, and they felt, ‘Wait a minute, this guy doesn’t act like a racist. He’s not a racist.’ We all make mistakes. That was a big one, but he wasn’t a racist.”
A Complicated Legacy
The special rehashed many of the major moments of Hogan’s career, from his role in making wrestling a global phenomenon in the 1980s to his shocking heel turn to form the nWo in 1996. It also highlighted his extensive work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In one notable anecdote, fellow Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart recounted a story about Hogan fighting behind the scenes to get better pay for the late Kamala.
In addition to McMahon, the documentary featured interviews with a host of other legends and current stars who knew or interacted with Hogan, including Bill Goldberg, Mick Foley, Mark Henry, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss.
McMahon’s “Mixed Emotions”
The special also touched on McMahon’s own absence from WWE. When host Harvey Levin noted that McMahon must have had “mixed emotions” about not being able to be at the ten-bell salute for Hogan on WWE television due to his own situation, McMahon simply replied, “It struck me that way as well.”
For those of you that missed it, the TMZ special on Hogan will be available soon on Hulu.
Vince McMahon on not being at the Hulk Hogan tribute at WWE Raw.. pic.twitter.com/0qTjIIsSlK
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) August 13, 2025
