Hulk Hogan speaks out for first time following sacking from WWE

Reality TV star and former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan. Photo / AP

Hulk Hogan says WWE is still his "family".

The wrestling legend has spoken for the first time since being sacked by the association's chairman Vincent McMahon for racist comments he made back in 2007, and admitted that he still loves the organisation.

Hulk, 66, said: "Brother, WWE is the best. No doubt. No, I love those guys. That's my family, they are my family."

When asked if there were any hard feelings between him and the wrestling boss, he joked to TMZ: "No hard feelings on the head of Vincent McMahon, when I get him in the ring again. It will be like a replay of Wrestle Mania XIX (19)."

Since the release of audio transcripts from an unauthorised sex tape recorded eight years ago which claim he used the 'N-word' while discussing his daughter Brooke Hogan's boyfriend, Hulk's contract with WWE has been terminated and he's been criticised by many people on Twitter for the language he used.

But many members of the wrestling community have come out to publicly defend his character and state he is not a racist and his 27 year old daughter wants people to remember all the "positive" things her father has done in his lifetime.

Taking to Twitter, she posted a photo of her dad in Sports Illustrated magazine and wrote:

"He changed lives ... In a positive way ... Seriously we all say dumb s*** in the privacy of our own homes. Dont forget who influenced you so POSITIVELY when you were young ... Big up to the people who don't act perfect. The people with no egos. Makes me love you more. (sic)"

- Bang! Showbiz