10 Times Controversy Inspired WWE Changes

In another instance of WWE moving with times, this next entry really hammered home just how seriously the company had to take racism in the modern day and that no one - not even one of the company's biggest ever stars - would be safe from the repercussions that followed a public slur.

That star in question was of course 'The Immortal' Hulk Hogan, and this controversial incident involved the Hulkster going on a racist rant in a leaked sex tape, even going as far as to express disgust at the thought of his daughter being with any black man - repeatedly using the 'N' word to hammer home that point.

The moment did not go down well with the public and WWE had no choice but to implement a 'no tolerance approach to racism', which was applauded by Hall of Famer, Mark Henry. This involved Hogan being cast out of the company, Mattel ceasing all production of Hogan action figures and he was even booted out of the WWE Hall of Fame.

In the end, that 'no tolerance' wouldn't last too long and Hogan would find his way back inside the company walls, after three years in the wilderness. First, he had to appease a locker room who weren't convinced that he'd changed his spots.

The one good thing to come from the entire scandal was WWE's initial severity in punishing the unacceptable actions of one of their employees. It has set the tone going forward and has been followed up by the $100,000 fine handed to Lars Sullivan in 2019 after sponsors were contacted over his old racist online posts.