Kevin Nash’s comments on Hulk Hogan’s segment during the Netflix debut of WWE Raw offer a candid and empathetic take on the situation. Hogan, once revered as the face of WWE, faced a harsh reception from the Los Angeles crowd, which booed him heavily. Nash, with his experience in the business, suggests that Hogan might not be adept at responding to a crowd, whether the reaction is positive or negative. Nash reflects on Hogan’s status in wrestling, emphasizing that he is “a different level than almost anybody in our business.” However, even Nash was surprised by the degree of the audience’s reaction, saying, “I did not think they would sh** on him.”
Nash points out that Hogan’s main objective during the segment wasn’t to draw a crowd’s affection, but rather to promote his Real American Beer brand, which sponsors WWE Raw. He acknowledges Hogan’s attempt to maintain his larger-than-life persona, despite the crowd’s response. “He did what he was going to do,” Nash says, referring to Hogan’s role in selling the beer, something that’s tied to his ongoing business ventures with WWE.
Given Hogan’s age and physical condition, Nash believes it’s unlikely that Hogan will continue to be a regular spokesperson for the brand on camera. Instead, the focus may shift to the Real American Beer logo, which prominently appears on the ring mat. Nash, showing his compassionate side, highlights the toll that years of wrestling have taken on Hogan’s body. He notes that even walking out to the ring is painful for the legendary wrestler due to severe back issues. “Just to come out of that tunnel as far as he did, because his back is f***ing killing him,” Nash shares, adding that he felt bad for Hogan in that moment.
In essence, Nash’s perspective acknowledges both the realities of Hogan’s current role within WWE and the physical sacrifices he’s made over the years. It’s a reminder that, while Hogan remains a cornerstone of WWE’s marketing, his time in the spotlight may be limited to more passive roles like brand promotion, rather than active in-ring performances or lengthy promos.