The Undertaker Finally Reveals Why WWE Wrestlers Hate Hulk Hogan

In the enthralling world of professional wrestling, few names invoke as much reverence and awe as Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker. Both have carved their legacies in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), captivating audiences for decades with their unique personas and unforgettable moments in the squared circle. However, beneath the glamor and spectacle, the professional wrestling industry has always harbored stories of rivalry, controversy, and unspoken resentment. In a recent, candid interview, The Undertaker, one of the most respected figures in the business, finally opened up about the persistent animosity that many WWE wrestlers have felt towards Hulk Hogan over the years.

Known for his iconic “Deadman” persona, outstanding work ethic, and backstage leadership, The Undertaker—real name Mark Calaway—rarely breaks character or discusses the inner workings of the professional wrestling industry. But time, perspective, and retirement have allowed Calaway to share revelations that went unspoken for decades. His insights on Hulk Hogan provide wrestling fans a rare peek behind the curtain, addressing the root of backstage discontent that has surrounded Hogan since the height of his stardom in the 1980s and 1990s.

Hulk Hogan: A Cultural Phenomenon

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, rose to superstardom during the “Golden Era” of professional wrestling. With his trademark handlebar mustache, yellow and red ring attire, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, Hogan became the face of WWE and a symbol of American pop culture. He was instrumental in turning professional wrestling into a mainstream phenomenon, headlining the first several WrestleManias and drawing fans from across the world.

Yet, as The Undertaker explains, the glitz and glory of Hogan’s public persona stood in stark contrast to the backstage realities. “There’s no denying what Hulk did for the business,” The Undertaker admitted. “He put a lot of eyes on us, brought in the money, sold out arenas. But there was always this… undercurrent. A lot of the boys just didn’t trust him. And, over time, some really started to despise him.”

The Roots of the Backstage Tension

The friction, according to The Undertaker, stemmed from several factors—ego, politics, and a persistent perception that Hogan often put himself before the company or his colleagues. Many wrestlers, particularly those striving for upward mobility, felt their opportunities were stifled by Hogan’s reputed unwillingness to surrender his main-event status. “When your entire roster is fighting for a top spot, you want the guy at the top to help elevate others,” The Undertaker explained. “But Hogan—he was very protective of his spot, his image. If he didn’t see you as a big deal, you weren’t likely to get there.”

While wrestling is a scripted sport, decisions of who wins or loses, who climbs the ladder, and who fades into the background are often determined by management — and influenced by the top stars themselves. Hogan’s outsized influence over WWE’s direction led many to believe that he was calling too many shots, favoring himself over talent deserving of their chance in the limelight.

The “Brother” Backstage Persona

According to The Undertaker, one element that particularly rankled fellow wrestlers about Hulk Hogan was the disparity between his on-camera persona and his backstage behavior. “On camera, he was everyone’s hero,” Undertaker said. “Backstage, he was always politicking, always working an angle. Everything was ‘brother this, brother that,’ but you never really knew where you stood with him. He’d shake your hand but you’d wonder if he was already talking to Vince [McMahon] about why you shouldn’t be in the main event.”

For many, Hogan’s charismatic demeanor masked an instinct for self-preservation and power behind the scenes. Stories of Hogan undermining his colleagues or manipulating outcomes to protect his own status became part of wrestling lore. This led to widespread distrust, fostering a sense of camaraderie among those who felt they had fallen victim to Hogan’s backstage games.

A Notorious Incident: The Undertaker’s Own Experience

The Undertaker was not immune to Hogan’s machinations. He recounted the infamous incident at Survivor Series 1991, where he defeated Hogan to win his first WWE Championship. The aftermath, marked by Hogan’s claim of a serious neck injury supposedly resulting from Undertaker’s finishing move, left a sour taste in the locker room’s collective mouth. “I was green, and I felt awful,” he recalled. “But looking back, I know it wasn’t as bad as he made out. That got around — that he’d exaggerated the whole thing to keep his spot or get sympathy. The boys never forgot it.”

This incident fueled existing frustrations. Wrestlers already suspicious of Hogan’s motives found their suspicions confirmed. The Undertaker says it was one among many reasons other wrestlers were wary of Hogan’s intentions and found it difficult to trust or respect him fully.

The Legacy of a Divisive Icon

Despite the lingering resentment, The Undertaker was quick to point out that wrestling is a business built on larger-than-life personalities and backstage politics. Hogan delivered spectacularly as an entertainer, but his approach to business left a complicated legacy. “Hulk Hogan is a legend, no doubt about it,” The Undertaker said. “But legends aren’t always loved.”

Over time, the wrestling landscape shifted. New stars rose, and the old guard faded or adapted. As The Undertaker cemented his own reputation as a locker room leader and honest broker, he became a model of respect and dignity that stood in contrast to some of the behaviors that defined previous eras.

Final Reflections

The Undertaker’s willingness to pull back the curtain after so many years is significant, offering wrestling fans and historians alike a more nuanced view of the industry’s inner workings. His revelations about Hulk Hogan echo the sentiments of many retired wrestlers, shining a light on a complex mixture of admiration and resentment for a man who, for better or worse, shaped the course of wrestling history.

“As much as there was heat, as much as there was mistrust,” The Undertaker concluded, “you still have to respect what the man did for the business. But you also learn from him — about what to do, and maybe what not to do.”

In the world of WWE, heroes and villains exist both inside and outside of the ring. The story of Hulk Hogan, as explained by one of wrestling’s most respected voices, is a reminder that the lines between the two are often blurrier than fans realize. And it’s within those grey areas that the real, complex stories of professional wrestling are found.