Randy Orton Finally Reveals Why WWE Wrestlers Hate Hulk Hogan
Randy Orton Finally Reveals Why WWE Wrestlers Hate Hulk Hogan
In the high-octane world of professional wrestling, rivalries don’t just unfold in the ring—they simmer backstage, behind closed doors, and across decades of history. One name that continues to ignite strong emotions among WWE stars is none other than The Immortal Hulk Hogan. While Hulkamania may have run wild in the 1980s, a growing number of WWE talents have distanced themselves from Hogan in recent years. Now, Randy Orton—one of wrestling’s most respected veterans—has stepped forward to shed light on why many wrestlers truly dislike the Hall of Famer.
🔥 Orton Breaks His Silence
In a rare candid moment, Randy Orton opened up about the tension between Hulk Hogan and several members of the WWE locker room. And for Orton, it’s not just personal—it’s generational.
“If anyone is disrespecting anyone’s family, he’s disrespecting mine… and not recognizing how he entered the profession,” Orton stated.
What many fans may not realize is that the Orton family played a pivotal role in Hogan’s early career. Orton’s father, “Cowboy” Bob Orton Sr., helped discover Hulk Hogan in Florida when the future icon was just a young man bouncing at a blues bar. That moment would launch Hogan’s rise in wrestling—and tie him forever to the Orton lineage.
So when Hogan fails to show appreciation or speak respectfully about the business and those who paved his path, Orton sees it as a direct insult not just to him—but to his family’s legacy in the sport.
🤼 Backstage Heat Beyond Orton
While Orton’s grievances stem from family pride and a deep respect for wrestling tradition, many other WWE stars have voiced their own reasons for distancing themselves from Hogan.
1. The Racism Scandal
Perhaps the most damaging blow to Hogan’s legacy came in 2015, when a leaked tape revealed the WWE legend making racist remarks. The fallout was immediate and severe. WWE terminated Hogan’s contract and removed him from the Hall of Fame (temporarily). While Hogan eventually returned, not everyone welcomed him back.
The New Day issued a formal statement rejecting Hogan’s apology.
Mark Henry said the locker room was “split” on Hogan’s return and called for more accountability.
Titus O’Neil openly criticized the way Hogan handled the situation, noting that “there’s a difference between being sorry and being caught.”
2. Locker Room Politics
Beyond the scandal, Hogan has long been accused of using his influence to protect his own spot at the top. From manipulating creative decisions in WCW to allegedly holding down rising stars in TNA and WWE, Hogan’s backstage reputation has been a hot topic for decades.
CM Punk once referred to Hogan as “a piece of garbage.”
Scott Steiner outright banned Hogan from the Hall of Fame ceremony he was attending.
Jeff Jarrett blamed Hogan for poor decision-making that led to TNA’s creative downfall.
🧠 Legacy in Question
For a man who once stood as the face of professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan’s legacy has become a mixed bag. While his contributions to the industry are undeniable, his off-screen actions have alienated many of his peers.
And for Randy Orton, who carries the torch of a multi-generational wrestling dynasty, the disrespect isn’t something he takes lightly.
“You can go way, way back… when my grandfather debuted… and at that point, Linda, Nick, and dear old Brooke weren’t even a stain on her daddy’s sheets,” Orton once said, taking a sharp dig at Hogan’s family and influence.
👊 Final Thoughts
The rift between Hulk Hogan and the modern WWE locker room is layered—part personal, part historical, and deeply emotional. While fans may remember Hogan for his charisma, leg drops, and “brother”-filled promos, many of his fellow wrestlers see a man who failed to respect the very people and principles that built the industry.
Thanks to Randy Orton’s brutally honest comments, fans now have a clearer understanding of why the red-and-yellow legend may no longer be welcomed with open arms behind the curtain.
