Joey Swoll Stands Firm After Backlash

Fitness influencer Joey Swoll broke his brief silence on social media recently, asserting that he would not be “cancelled” after facing criticism for honoring WWE legend Hulk Hogan.

“I love me or hate me. You’re not going anywhere, so you’re not going to cancel me,” Swoll explained to his 8 million followers on TikTok. He mentioned that it took him a moment to collect his thoughts and regroup, stating he had received a flood of supportive messages urging him to continue his work.

The 42-year-old, whose real name is Joey Sergo, shared a previous video where he dressed like Hogan. This outfit was reportedly given to him by a wrestling star who passed away recently. Despite the negative feedback, Swoll felt compelled to share this tribute.

Critics called him out for paying homage to Hogan, citing the wrestler’s controversial history. In response, Swoll released an apology video, explaining he hadn’t been fully aware of the situation surrounding Hogan and chose to step away from the internet for a short time.

“For all the good things I did, all the people I helped, for everything,” he wrote during that period.

After a few days, he returned to social media, posting from his car, a familiar backdrop for him. “I just needed a few days, breathe, and get my mind right,” he shared. In his comeback post, he acknowledged that while his message may be improved, it isn’t perfect.

Swoll, who has dubbed himself the “CEO of Gym Positive,” reaffirmed his commitment to promoting kindness and being a supportive voice in the fitness community.