Linda Hogan, ex-wife of Hulk Hogan<\/a>, criticized the Television Academy for leaving the WWE star out of the televised “In Memoriam” segment during Sunday\u2019s Emmy Awards.<\/p>\n Speaking with Entertainment Weekly<\/em><\/a>, Linda suggested that her former husband\u2019s political views may have influenced the decision. \u201cI can\u2019t prove that,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s just a guess, but they should have named him!!\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed to Hulk\u2019s appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he endorsed Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, as a potential reason for the omission. \u201cWWF at the top of the hour when he came on to wrestle\u2026 [Hulk] had the highest ratings on NBC, beating all other competition for that time slot for years!\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Hulk, born Terry Bollea, died on July 24 at age 71.<\/p>\n COMPLEX SHOP:<\/b> Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.<\/a><\/p>\n While Hulk was absent from the CBS broadcast, the Television Academy clarified that he was featured in a longer \u201cIn Memoriam\u201d video uploaded to its website. The digital version also included names like Jerry Adler, Danielle Spencer, and Jonathan Joss, who were similarly left out of the live telecast.<\/p>\n \u201cGiven only a few minutes to honor those who have passed, there is a limit on how many people can be acknowledged on the broadcasts,\u201d the Academy explained in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n The decision also fits into a larger pattern. No professional wrestler has ever been highlighted in the Emmy broadcast tribute, reflecting the complicated relationship between scripted sports entertainment and mainstream television recognition. The WWE itself didn\u2019t officially take its current name until 2002, following decades of rebranding from the Capitol Wrestling Corporation to the WWWF, WWF, and finally, World Wrestling Entertainment.<\/p>\n Hogan wasn\u2019t the only notable omission. Late actor Tony Todd<\/a>, best known for Candyman<\/em> and dozens of television roles, was also excluded from the live segment. His widow, Fatima Cortez Todd, said: \u201cIt\u2019s just another disrespect of him. He faced a lot of disrespect in his career.\u201d Tony, who passed away in late 2024, did appear in the Emmys\u2019 online tribute.<\/p>\n For Linda, the explanation isn\u2019t enough. \u201cI really can\u2019t tell you why they left him out,\u201d she said, before adding that politics remain her best guess.<\/p>\n <\/a> John Cena Says He’s Taking His Wife on a European Vacation to Make Up for His Busy Schedule<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Ric Flair Says WWE Is \u2018Unpredictable,\u2019 Crowns Daughter Charlotte the Best Wrestler Alive<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> WWE Star Chelsea Green Leaves Social Media Following Death Threats Over Hulk Hogan Tribute<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Cardi B Admits Thinking Stefon Diggs Was \u2018Cute,\u2019 Will Start Going to His Games after Album Rollout<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n ‘First Take’ Cohost Molly Qerim Reportedly Leaving ESPN at the End of the Year<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\nRelated News<\/h3>\n
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