Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has expressed his disappointment in regards to Hulk Hogan's racially-charged comments, after it last week emerged the wrestler had a conversation in 2007 which saw him using racist terms whilst describing his daughter Brooke Hogan's then-boyfriend.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson / Credit: FAMOUS
Speaking during Thursday's (July 30) Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour at the Ballers panel, Johnson said he "had not known the man to be racist".
He continued: "Yeah, I saw that. I was pretty disappointed with what I heard, like all of us, by the way. I was really disappointed in him."
Johnson was surprised particularly because he'd known Hulk for many years after his father and uncle helped train him in the 1970s.
"It's funny, it's one of those things where - and not justifying what he said - we've all talked trash, especially in private. He said what he said, and now he's paying the price."
Meanwhile, WWE chairman Vince McMahon had recently commented that he doesn't think Hulk's departure from the WWE will have "any material effect" on the company going forward.
Pressed for more comments on the departure as a company ambassador, McMahon replied: "We're interested in individuals who can actually compete in the ring."
Hogan's axing from the WWE saw him removed completely from the official website, online store and Hall of Fame.
Since the dismissal, Hogan has tweeted messages to his fans to thank them for their support, also issuing a formal apology for his behaviour.
Tagged in Dwayne Johnson Hulk Hogan The Rock WWE