Titus O’Neil Says It Was Pleasant Working With Hulk Hogan At WrestleMania 37

Titus O’Neil had a big role at WrestleMania 37 as he hosted the two-night event alongside Hulk Hogan.

O’Neil had been critical of Hogan in the past stemming for Hogan’s racist comments with O’Neil saying that Hogan’s apology lacked remorse.

Speaking to Steven Muehlhasen of DAZN, O’Neil discussed what it was like working with Hogan on back-to-back nights for WrestleMania.

“We spoke a little bit after I got upset about the apology. We had a private conversation. But at the end of the day, I’m not one to be able to cast judgment on anyone. I looked at the opportunity to host WrestleMania in my hometown, where I’m literally the unofficial Mayor here in Tampa. To do it with a guy that essentially put WrestleMania on the map, I looked at it as a business decision that was made. Vince McMahon runs this company, and everyone else that is associated knows that. I have a very special relationship with Vince. I don’t think that there was ever a moment where he felt like this was something that would put me in an uncomfortable position. Because it really wasn’t. I know who I am. I know what I represent. Even after hosting, to be honest with you, it was very pleasant to work with him. We had some stuff that he allowed me to change up, and we worked very well off of each other,” he said.

Hogan received a mixture of cheers and boos at the event, which may have come as a surprise to some given Hogan’s legendary status in wrestling.

When discussing the reaction Hogan received, Titus commented, “I didn’t expect the reaction that he got. I didn’t expect the reaction that he received. I expected a little bit here and there, but nowhere near where it was. But at the end of the day, to Hulk’s credit, he took it with pride, and the show went on. A lot of people on social media said hats off to you, man, for working and being professional and working with Hulk and that they we know what you said in public. I meant everything that I wrote. But at the end of the day, I don’t harbor any hard feelings against anybody. I think that’s his cross to bear. My job is to be professional and make the best product possible for whatever I’m giving. I think we did that. I had a lot of fun. We dressed up as pirates. It was very hot, but it was fun. I got a chance to do it at home, and I will do it ten times out of 10 alongside Hulk Hogan if asked if I had the opportunity.”

Titus is nominated for Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for the second straight year. The award will be handed out at the ESPYs, which takes place on July 12 with the TV special airing on July 24.