Hulk Hogan. Photo:
WWE/Getty
Fans made it clear through a chorus of boos how they felt about Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE Raw in the show’s Netflix debut.
As the wrestling icon entered the arena a little over two hours into WWE Raw, he was met with the sound of loud booing from the crowd — but despite the unwelcome reception, Hogan, 72, proceeded to talk over them and congratulate the WWE on its debut on the streaming platform, PEOPLE can confirm.
“In the past, I’ve had a whole bunch of partners down the line. I had incredible partners, like the Macho Man Randy Savage. I’ve had giant-sized partners like Andre the Giant,” Hogan (whose real name is Terry Bollea) said to the crowd, as they continued booing.
He continued, adding “But the greatest partner the WWE has ever had, is the fact that tonight, we’re making history, and the WWE has tag teamed up with Netflix, the greatest tag team partner of all time.”
Hulk Hogan. WWE/Getty
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Hogan’s appearance on the show was also intended to promote his Real American Beer brand, and the uncomfortable reception to the wrestler quickly made the rounds online.
Controversy for Hogan began back in 2007, when his leaked sex tape revealed that he used a racial slur in reference to his daughter, Brooke Hogan’s love life.
Hulk Hogan. WWE/Getty
The WWE responded by distancing themselves from its longtime star and removed him from the Hall of Fame in 2015.
Initially, Hogan claimed that he resigned from the WWE, but the company quickly shut that down and confirmed he was fired.
In an interview with PEOPLE in 2015, Hogan apologized for the highly offensive comments.
“Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it,” Hogan said at the time.
“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,” he continued.
“I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.”
The WWE reinstated Hogan three years later in 2018.
