WWE appeared to deviate from a significant internal policy during this week’s broadcast of Monday Night RAW by featuring Vince McMahon on its programming for the first time in nearly a year. An image of the former chairman was reportedly included in a video package honoring the late Hulk Hogan.
This broadcast moment goes against a presumed internal directive to avoid mentioning or showing McMahon on WWE television. This policy was believed to be in place due to the serious legal issues the executive is facing, particularly in connection with the Janel Grant case. The brief appearance, therefore, marks a notable departure from this unstated but understood company practice.
The segment in question was a tribute to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who passed away last week at the age of 71 from cardiac arrest. WWE opened the show with a video highlighting the WWE Hall of Famer’s monumental contributions to the professional wrestling industry. McMahon’s inclusion in the video is seen by some as an acknowledgment of his critical role in transforming Hogan into a global superstar.
The tribute on RAW was similar in spirit to the one held on the previous Friday’s episode of SmackDown. The Friday night show also featured a video package in honor of Hogan and began with a ten-bell salute, led by the company’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, with WWE talent present on the entrance stage. Following the video tribute on RAW, the roster was also shown on stage as the audience chanted Hogan’s name.
While Vince McMahon issued a public statement on social media mourning Hogan’s passing, his potential appearance in the tribute video on RAW has generated discussion among viewers regarding the company’s stance on featuring him on its programming.
WWE showed Vince McMahon on television for the first time in over a year in the Hulk Hogan tribute package.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/JZ32FvbqZp
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