UPDATE: Hulk Hogan apologized on Friday after The National Enquirer reported he made racist statements and the WWE fired him.
The WWE hasn't had a wrestler more famous than Hulk Hogan, but suddenly it has distanced itself from one of its biggest stars.
The entertainment empire made this announcement Friday:
"WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan). WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide."
Hogan's name disappeared from WWE.com overnight Thursday — his profile on the alumni page, his merchandise in the WWE shop, his listing on the "Tough Enough" cast page, all gone — and Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer reported that it was no accident.
Meltzer also reported that current WWE star Curtis Axel — whose gimmick is to impersonate Hogan — was informed his act was being dropped immediately.
The specifics of the falling out remain unknown, though Hogan previously left the company for six years before returning to the fold last year. But at least one disturbing rumor that would explain the WWE's action is circulating on the Internet; however, no one has published any proof it's true.
Meanwhile, it appears Hogan was bracing for a storm when he tweeted this Thursday night:
