Trump’s Self-Centered Influence on Netflix’s Hulk Hogan Docuseries

In the world of streaming entertainment, there’s been a buzz around Netflix’s new four-part Hulk Hogan docuseries, Hulk Hogan: Real American (available for streaming now). Surprisingly, the series features appearances by none other than the sitting president of the United States, Donald Trump. It seems like Trump took a page out of the pro-wrestling playbook, considering his longstanding friendship with Hogan before the wrestler endorsed him at the Republican National Convention in 2024. In an interview filmed in the Oval Office, Trump describes Hogan as a “showman” and emphasizes their strong relationship. It’s interesting to note that Hogan personally asked Trump to make an appearance, even after Hogan’s passing last summer.

As the docuseries delves into Hogan’s post-wrestling life and final years, viewers get a glimpse of a voicemail from Trump, praising Hogan for his endorsement in 2024 and calling him a “winner.” Hogan himself opens up about why he decided to publicly support Trump, particularly after initially keeping a low profile in politics. It turns out that an assassination attempt on Trump in 2024 changed Hogan’s stance, leading him to take a more active role in supporting the president.

While Trump made a notable appearance in the series, it’s clear that his interactions with Hogan showcased his characteristic narcissism rather than mutual admiration. Interestingly, Trump’s connections to the world of pro-wrestling go beyond Hogan, with his involvement in WWE events and his renowned feud with Vince McMahon. On a different note, the series sheds light on Hogan’s turbulent past, including controversies surrounding racist comments that resulted in his temporary expulsion from the WWE Hall of Fame.

Despite Hogan’s reinstatement to WWE duties in 2018, some fans and fellow wrestlers still held reservations about his past behavior. During a later WWE appearance in 2025, Hogan faced boos from the audience, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his actions. The series offers a complex look at Hogan’s legacy and struggles to separate his public persona from his personal identity, hinting at the challenges he faced in reconciling these aspects of himself.

In the end, Hulk Hogan: Real American paints a poignant picture of Hogan’s final years, highlighting his desire for recognition and acceptance, especially in the face of past controversies. The series captures the essence of Hogan’s influence on popular culture and his complicated relationship with political figures like Trump. Love him or hate him, Hulk Hogan’s story is a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional wrestling and the challenges of navigating fame and infamy.