If there’s one thing that hits deeper than a steel-chair shot, it’s being snubbed especially if you were once the guy running the show. That’s exactly how Vince McMahon felt when WWE didn’t include him in the tribute for Hulk Hogan. Let’s unpack what he said, how he felt, and why it matters.
A Legacy Built Together and the Sting of Exclusion
Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan go way back. They shaped “Hulkamania,” turned pro wrestling into prime-time entertainment, and were practically inseparable during the golden era. But after McMahon’s resignation due to serious misconduct allegations, the bond ended behind closed doors even before Hogan’s passing. When WWE held a ten-bell salute for the legend a few days after his death, McMahon wasn’t invited and he felt it. “‘It struck me that way as well,’” he said, referring to how his absence hit him emotionally.
Raw Emotions and Final Farewells
Hogan’s death at age 71 in July left a void in wrestling. McMahon described it as “a blow to my heart,” likening his shock to losing someone close. That makes being left out feel like salt in the wound. He didn’t lash out he didn’t assign blame but the raw hurt was clear. The tribute night was a symbolic moment and he wasn’t part of it.
Mixed Reactions From Fans and Wrestlers Alike
Fans had plenty to say. Some agreed that Hogan deserved more than boos and a half-hearted send-off. Others thought McMahon was being self-serving, pointing out he had sidelined Hogan before so who’s to talk now. In his TMZ special, McMahon also slammed the way WWE handled Hogan’s last appearance on Raw’s Netflix premiere, saying a legend of that stature deserved a more powerful presentation.
Quick Look: McMahon’s Reaction in a Nutshell
| Situation | McMahon’s Feelings or Reaction |
|---|---|
| Exclusion from tribute night | Hurt, taken aback “struck me that way as well” |
| Hogan’s death | “A blow to my heart” deep, personal grief |
| Presentation at final appearance | Frustrated believed wrestling icon deserved more than what he got |
| Public response | Mixed some understanding, others critical or unsympathetic |
Conclusion
Here’s the takeaway: Vince McMahon’s reaction wasn’t about ego it was about history and hurt. Losing Hogan was painful, and watching his friend and once-partner not include him in that moment of honor? That stung. Whether fans sympathize or scoff, one thing’s clear: legacies in wrestling are complex, emotional, and deeply human.