WWE Completely Cutting Ties With Wrestling Superstar Hulk Hogan

WWE has removed all references and merchandise related to its wrestling star Hulk Hogan.

The removal of all things Hogan, 61, whose real name is Terry Bollea, came shortly before reports of audio transcripts in which Hogan used racial slurs to describe African Americans.

The National Enquirer on Friday published what it said were audio transcripts in which Hogan frequently uses racist language in a rant about his daughter dating a black man. (Warning: link contains very strong language)

Hogan also has a pending $100 million invasion of privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media, which posted video of a sex tape featuring Hogan. The Enquirer reported that the racist remarks were made to the woman in the tape as they were lying in bed.

Hogan is no longer listed on the WWE Hall of Fame page, and all of his merchandise has also been removed from WWEShop.com.

“WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan),” the Stamford-based WWE said in a statement to US Weekly. “WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.”

“Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it,” Hogan said in a statement to People Magazine.

“This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise.

“I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs.”

Photo: Hulk Hogan.