Posted By James Walsh on 01/08/25
Hulk Hogan may embrace a heel turn if fan reactions during his recent RAW Netflix debut are any indication. The January 6 appearance saw the 2-time WWE Hall of Famer met with overwhelming boos, and according to a report from Daily Mail, WWE is considering turning Hogan into a bad guy for his next on-screen appearance.
The report indicates that WWE listens closely to fan responses and adjusts storylines accordingly. While they may initially have a planned direction, they are willing to pivot if crowd reactions differ significantly from expectations. Drawing parallels to The Rock’s 2024 success in embracing a villainous role after negative reactions, WWE is reportedly planning a similar strategy for Hogan.
“Those in the back have listened to the fans as they do with most of their storylines,” the source shared. “They listen to the audience, and if they have a direction they want to go with something, they will attempt that first, but if the crowd reaction is so different, they will make sure to steer it the way the tide is going.”
The source continued:
“There has already been discussion that the next time they put Hogan on TV is to make him a heel, because the last time he was a bad guy, it worked wonders for his career. They might base it toward what they had to do with The Rock last year. The last few times The Rock came back, they made him the hero, and the fans hated it. The Rock leaned into being bad, they changed direction, and now after last night, the fans like The Rock again.”
WWE reportedly plans to fully commit to Hogan leaning into the boos if they persist during future appearances. His heel turn would not only cater to fan sentiment but also tie into a new storyline with another wrestler, giving Hogan a meaningful role in WWE’s programming.
“So by giving the fans what they want, you get what you want, and for them, that is the adulation. Hogan and some of the writers have since talked, and whenever Hogan comes back, if he were to be booed, they are going to expect it and lean into it 100%. Plans are for Hogan to be a bad guy again and to help out a future storyline with another wrestler.”
Although earlier reports suggested Hogan might make fewer live TV appearances after the negative reactions on RAW, this potential heel turn suggests WWE is crafting a major plan for the wrestling legend.
If executed, this move could reignite Hogan’s relevance and resonate with fans who now see him as a polarizing figure.