Hulk Hogan, whose post-wrestling career over the past decade has read like a Greek Tragedy written by Coldplay, scored the biggest win of his life on Friday.
The state of Florida dropped a $115 million verdict ($55 million for emotional harm; $60 million for emotional distress) on controversial website Gawker for their role in a leaked sex tape featuring the wrestling icon.
Gawker has a net worth of $250 million. The site earned its fortune through gleefully embarrassing public figures while dancing in the graves of their legacies. Now facing possible bankruptcy if the verdict stands, it appears Gawker has messed with the wrong celebrity. The tape, which included a racial tirade that was also leaked, helped bring about what seemed to be an imminent downfall of the biggest star in the history of pro wrestling.
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| Hulk Hogan's $115 Million Win Against Gawker And What It Means To WWE |
Hogan isn’t the first wrestling figure to be embroiled in a racial controversy, as Michael P.S. Hayes’ alleged ugly exchange with Mark Henry resulted in a 60-day suspension.
Next month, Hayes will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
If there’s any credo that WWE has always lived by, it’s “never say never.” Some of Hogan’s own contemporaries have been accused of far worse actions while maintaining a relationship with WWE. Hogan’s legal victory certainly doesn’t erase his shameful behavior, but it will certainly make for a softer landing if he ever returns to WWE.
