An in-depth look at sports scandals will entering the world of pro wrestling, specifically the personal life of former world champion Hulk Hogan.
Season two of Rich and Shameless, airing on TNT, “tells the true stories of the successes, failures, thrills, and miseries that accompany wealth in the world of sport.” The new season opens with Dennis Rodman and the bizarre story of how Peggy Ann Fulford stole millions of dollars from the controversial NBA star.
It’s only fitting that episode two features someone Rodman teamed up with while in WCW: Hogan.
The second episode airs on May 17. It will feature the saga surrounding Hogan’s fight against the media blog Gawker. You can stream Rich & Shameless on Sling TV which is now offering new subscriber half-off their first month.
WATCH: Rich & Shameless, Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker on Sling TV
Here’s a breakdown of the lawsuit between Hogan and Gawker.
Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker lawsuit
A 2006 video of Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, was released by Gawker Media, owner of the celebrity and media-focused blog Gawker, in 2016. The video in question was Hogan having sexual relations with the wife of radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. Hogan believed it was Bubba who secretly filmed the footage.
Hogan would explain that Bubba encouraged the act. Gawker got sued for over $100 million in damages. Within the video, Hogan spouted racial insults at his daughter Brooke's then-boyfriend. WWE released him in 2016.
Through the trial, Hogan attempted to differentiate himself (Bollea) from the Hogan personality. In a sequence confusing to all involved, he discussed Bollea (who was in the tape) should have privacy while the Hogan character out of his home shouldn't. The Hogan character (with aspects of Bollea) was prioritized when his family got filmed during the Hogan Knows Best TV series.
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The trial lasted two weeks, with the jury favoring Hogan. He was awarded $115 million in compensatory damages, which included $60 million for emotional distress.
What happened to Gawker?
Hogan sued Gawker, founded in 2002, again regarding documents that resulted in the previously stated racial slurs released to the public. Hogan got re-signed by WWE in 2018. Articles from Gawker regarding Hogan were later wiped from the website.
Later that year, Gawker filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Putting itself up for sale, Univision Communications bought Gawker Media for $135 million. However, the website shut down completely.
The website did attempt a comeback in 2021 under Bustle Digital Group but got dissolved in 2023 due to company-wide cuts.