Kevin Nash’s comments on Hulk Hogan’s segment during the Netflix debut of WWE Raw shed light on the complexities of the veteran wrestler’s relationship with modern-day audiences and his struggles in adapting to the crowd’s response. Nash, who is no stranger to the intricacies of professional wrestling, believes that Hogan, once the face of WWE and a crowd favorite, is now struggling to connect with today’s audience, especially in places like Los Angeles, where the crowd can be notoriously tough.
Nash explains that Hogan, in his mind, failed to “read the room” during the live segment. He compares it to a moment when Hogan’s appearance at the Republican National Convention, in an entirely different environment, was met with enthusiasm, which likely led him to believe that his usual charm and charisma would work in a similar manner. Nash’s point is that Hogan hasn’t had to react to a hostile crowd in quite some time, and he didn’t foresee the harsh reaction Hogan received, especially in a city like LA, known for its discerning and vocal crowds.
Adding further insight, Nash noted that Hogan’s response to the crowd was more about sticking to his established persona—Hulk Hogan, the beer-selling, larger-than-life character—rather than trying to adapt to the boos. “He did what he was going to do,” Nash says, which in this case, was promoting his Real American Beer brand, which is a sponsor for the show. Nash’s comment about Hogan’s painful physical condition adds another layer of empathy for the icon, who, as Nash mentions, is suffering from significant back pain. Even just walking out to the ring was an effort for the aging legend, let alone trying to cut a promo.
Nash also suggests that Hogan might not be a regular on-screen presence for the brand, with the focus shifting more to the Real American Beer logo that’s prominently featured in the ring rather than Hogan himself. It’s clear that Nash is recognizing Hogan’s limitations, both physically and in terms of audience engagement, which speaks to a broader issue many legends face when trying to remain relevant in the modern WWE product.
In summary, Nash’s take underscores the challenges of maintaining a connection with the audience, particularly for figures as historically significant as Hulk Hogan. While Hogan may still be a central figure in WWE’s marketing efforts, it appears his days of being an active, in-ring personality are behind him. The crowd’s reaction at the Intuit Dome likely marks a turning point for how WWE, and Hogan himself, approach his involvement in the brand moving forward.