Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into a tribute you definitely won’t find on the front pages of the mainstream media. Hulk Hogan, an iconic slab of American pop culture, has passed on at the age of 71. However, we’re not here to simply lament the loss of a wrestling legend. Nope, we’re going to peel back the layers and discuss the side of Hogan that most critics tiptoe around like they’re walking barefoot on a field of LEGO pieces.

So, rewind about a decade to the magical year of 2015, when wokeness was just learning to crawl and political correctness was gearing up for its world tour. Our dear Hulkster found himself in the spotlight, not for body-slamming another wrestler, but for comments leaked from a private conversation. Yes, the “n-word” debacle. While the eternally outraged mob clutched its pearls and fanned itself vigorously, Hogan was given the boot, only to return, eventually galloping back into the WWE Hall of Fame. Take that, cancel culture!

Naturally, the usual suspects took to the digital soapbox yesterday to remind the world of Hogan’s past transgressions, keen on cheering his demise like it was the Superbowl halftime show. But the sobbing symphony of virtue signaling, led by folks who were probably still mastering the alphabet back in 2015, ignores the truth that many honest-to-goodness Americans just don’t care. For those who grew up idolizing the man with the 24-inch pythons, his impact transcends a few questionable words.

Let’s not forget, Hulk Hogan personified grit, sweatbands, and American dreams back when muscle shirts were cutting-edge fashion. Yes, he had an opinion—a spicy one about his daughter’s dating choices—but honestly, who among us hasn’t put their foot in their mouth at a family dinner? Some might even argue that Hogan’s boldness in expressing his unfiltered self adds a layer of authenticity sorely missing in today’s age of curated tweets and influencer-approved sound bites.

Hogan’s last act of rebellion? Jumping on the Trump train, bandana proudly aflutter. After years of keeping mum on politics like a first grader on their first field trip, he laid down his allegiance on the ropes for all to see. That’s right, while others were hemming and hawing over political affiliations like they were picking out a dinner jacket, Hulk was body-slamming indecision and letting “Trumpomania run wild, brother!”

Of course, when people groan and grumble about his passing, that’s when you know he lived a life worth noticing. So, raise your protein shakes in a salute to Hulk Hogan, a man who wasn’t just about body slams and leg drops but also stood as a beacon of controversial truth-telling. And remember, real American icons are often celebrated, criticized, and most importantly, never forgotten.