Titus O’Neil On Hulk Hogan Being Reinstated Into WWE HOF, Problem With Hogan’s Apology, False Reports

Amidst conflicting reports on how he reacted to a speech Hulk Hogan gave to the main roster prior to Extreme Rules on Sunday as part of the wrestling legend’s return to WWE, Titus O’Neil tweeted his support of the statement issued by Kofi Kingston on behalf of The New Day and promised an additional response of his own.

In FULL AGREEMENT AND SUPPORT OF EVERYTHING SAID IN THIS STATEMENT. MY additional response to this from to follow as there have been NUMEROUS ERRONEOUS reports on my Views and Response-to this situation. https://t.co/jCjtAusYW9

— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) July 18, 2018

As promised, O’Neil released a lengthy statement regarding Hogan’s reinstatement into the WWE Hall of Fame, what went on backstage at Extreme Rules during and after Hogan spoke to the roster, and The New Day’s earlier remarks about the situation.

O’Neil refuted rumors that he refused to shake Hogan’s hand since he didn’t have a one-on-one interaction with him. In regards to Hogan’s apology, O’Neil felt that it lacked “true contrition, remorse and a desire to change.”

“I stand firm in my position that Mr. Bollea is entitled to reinstatement; he was and is a role model, hero and icon to countless people,” O’Neil wrote.

“I hope that Mr. Bollea’s missteps in communicating to the WWE talent in Pittsburgh are not repeated to his fans and I expect that he shall pursue an agenda that clearly communicates to all third parties that his language was inappropriate, wrong and should not be tolerated in a civilized and inclusive society.”

Here is his full statement.

“To my gracious fans and the WWE Universe.

The reports and rumors concerning my boycotting Extreme Rules in Pittsburgh is false and inaccurate. I was not scheduled to attend or participate in the Extreme Rules match/production and otherwise was not booked for the show.

The talent present in Pittsburgh, which I was a part of, was asked to attend a mandatory meeting in which Mr. Terry Bollea addressed everyone and informed the same that he would be reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. At no point during, after or otherwise did I make any scene concerning Mr. Bollea’s communication to the talent. In addition, let it be known that I did not refuse to shake Mr. Bollea’s hand; we did not have any type of one-on-one interaction whatsoever that would or did necessitate any exchange between us individually.

As to the reinstatement of Mr. Bollea, I can only communicate that I am a proponent of second and even third chances for individuals that show true remorse, acknowledgement of wrongdoing, fulfill their punishment, if applicable, and otherwise put forth sincere efforts to correct the issues.

Unfortunately, I must echo the sentiment and dissatisifaction expressed by many of my fellow contemporaries concerning Mr. Bollea’s apology and its lack of true contrition, remorse and a desire to change. Mr. Bollea’s apology ‘that he didn’t know he was being recorded’ is not remorse for the hateful and violent utterances he made which reprise language that has caused violence against blacks and minorities for centuries.

I stand firm in my position that Mr. Bollea is entitled to reinstatement; he was and is a role model, hero and icon to countless people. I hope that Mr. Bollea’s missteps in communicating to the WWE talent in Pittsburgh are not repeated to his fans and I expect that he shall pursue an agenda that clearly communicates to all third parties that his language was inappropriate, wrong and should not be tolerated in a civilized and inclusive society.

As the father of two young black men, I have spent their entire life and the majority of my adult life with a singular focus; being a role model for my children and young black boys and girls. I take tremendous pride in my charity work and the community outreach that I have fostered via the platform I have been given. I teach my sons love and tolerance for everybody, but I also teach them to operate in truth and respect.

I hope this clears up any confusion. I, like New Day, will continue to use my platform to positively affect, entertain, embrace, celebrate and love people from all backgrounds both inside and outside of the WWE Universe.

Sincerely,

Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar ‘Titus Oneil'”

My TRUTH!! pic.twitter.com/3HgsmXOOEg

— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) July 18, 2018