Below are some top WWE news stories of the day, involving Hulk Hogan and Seth Rollins.
• The backlash from Hulk Hogan’s controversial appearance on WWE RAW’s Netflix premiere continues to fuel discussions, with former WCW World Heavyweight Champion & writer Vince Russo offering a conspiracy theory about the situation.
Hogan faced intense negativity during his January 6 appearance in Los Angeles, including boos, off-camera chants of “F**k Hulk Hogan,” and disdain for his promo and pre-recorded commercial. While the reaction shocked Hogan, Russo speculated on ‘BroDown’ that Netflix executives might have wanted Hogan there, and WWE allegedly set him up for failure.
“Here’s where my conspiracy theory kicks in. Was it the Netflix executives that wanted Hogan there? So what did they do? They set him up, man. The wrestling people set him up, told him to put the beer over because they knew. Well bro, either they knew or they’re completely clueless,” Russo said.
Jimmy Hart, who accompanied Hogan, was also booed, which Russo found particularly upsetting. “What was more devastating to me was bro, you’re booing Jimmy Hart. Oh my God, Jimmy Hart is the closest thing to a Saint that I know. And poor Jimmy Hart had to be out there, man. And they’re booing him out of the building. I felt bad for Hulk, but I really felt bad for Jimmy Hart.”
WATCH: Brooke Hogan’s (Hulk Hogan’s Daughter) Private Photos Leaked:
• WrestleMania 40 marked a monumental achievement for Cody Rhodes, who defeated Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. Earlier that evening, Seth Rollins suffered heartbreak, losing his World Heavyweight Championship to Drew McIntyre.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Rollins candidly reflected on Cody’s victory, revealing a mix of emotions. “I had a different experience watching Cody win the title. I felt joy, probably a little bit of jealousy,” Rollins admitted.
Rollins expressed that his envy stemmed from the lack of similar opportunities in his own WWE journey. “I’ve never really been the guy who has been handed the ball that way. For the last 10 years, it’s been Roman, for the most part, and then Cody comes back, and he kind of gets that treatment as well. I’ve always felt like I wanted to be that person, and I could be that guy, but it just wasn’t for me in the eyes of the people who were making those decisions.”
Despite these feelings, Rollins recognized his contributions to the success of stars like Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. “Roman doesn’t get to where he’s at without me, I don’t think. I think he’d tell you that as well. Certainly Cody coming back, there is a reason why when he came back, I was the person they put him with. I don’t think he’s where he’s at if it’s not for me,” Rollins stated.
Ultimately, Rollins emphasized his dedication to the bigger picture. “I’ve always been the person who wanted to put the industry and company before my own personal desires. I was okay with it. If all did better, if the company did better, and the business as a whole was healthier, I felt like I was doing my part, even if it was kind of an ensemble.”
