10 Things Deleted From WWE History

4. Hulk Hogan

Chris Benoit
WWE.com

Hulk Hogan is the single most important wrestler in WWE history, and the man around which the company's Golden Era success was built. If it wasn't for him, professional wrestling would never have crossed over into mainstream culture in the 1980s, and there's a chance WWE wouldn't even be around today.

His legacy cannot be understated, but 'The Hulkster' is also one of the most controversial figures in the sport's history. A renowned backstage politician, he has made countless enemies throughout his lengthy career, and became embroiled in a particularly nasty scandal in 2015.

Gawker published a sex tape featuring Hogan and the estranged wife of radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge (one of Hulk's best friends, supposedly), in which he blurted an audible racial slur. WWE immediately terminated Hogan's Legends contract, then removed all references to him on their website, including his entry in the Hall Of Fame. Their most famous wrestler had been deleted from history, and he's yet to make a full return.

Hogan eventually settled his legal battle with Gawker, scoring a cool $31 million in the process. His name has started creeping back onto television, but his oft-rumoured comeback doesn't look like it'll be happening anytime soon.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.