Joey Swol, a health influencer often called the “gym-positive CEO” with over 8 million Tiktok followers, confronted criticism from UFC veteran Charl Sonnen after an issue involving Hulk Hogan led to non permanent departure from social media.
Joey Swall controversy and Hulk Hogan
The incident started on July twenty fifth, 2025, and Swoll posted a tribute video to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who died of a coronary heart assault on July twenty fourth on the age of 71. The Tribute featured Swol sporting a Hulk Hogan costume whereas coaching at a Gold health club in California. Swoll claimed that this costume was really a present from Hogan himself.
The publish sparked instant backlash from followers who pointed to Hogan’s controversial previous, together with using racial slander that led to his termination from WWE. Throughout a dwell stream defending his tribute, Swoll used the time period “coloured athlete” when referring to a black athlete who posted a tribute to Hogan. This alternative of language has led to elevated criticism of him.
Swoll first posted an apology video on July twenty eighth, investigating Hogan’s controversy and saying he discovered about “all of the horrible issues people did.” He additionally admitted that utilizing “coloured” fairly than “individuals of shade” is “a really outdated, very aggressive time period.” Regardless of the apology, criticism continued from each side, with some followers calling him weak for the apology.
On July twenty ninth, Swoll left social media for good, introduced that he was writing to X:
Chael Sonnen hits Joey Swoll
Chael Sonnen, a former UFC middleweight candidate recognized for his outspoken persona, has responded harshly to Swoll’s breaking out of social media. In a YouTube video and a collection of social media posts, Sonnen criticized Swoll’s resolution to withdraw Hulk Hogan’s tribute.
“No, it was a rip-off you carried out. Your message was particular about inspiration, braveness and honor. You then made it clear that there have been no these. I am going to lie. It is okay to not obtain hundreds of messages.
In one other publish, Sonnen added: “Discover out the phrase cowards. Then search for the phrase narcissist. Depart? There was no place to go. His first video pops, however his numbers then sink.
Sonnen additionally accused Swoll of concentrating on weaker enemies, saying, “In case you select a bully, they select another person, who they suppose is weak.
In a YouTube video entitled “Joey Swole B*Tched Out,” Sonnen known as Swoll “Egomaniac” and predicted that he would return to social media regardless of claiming it was achieved. “In my thoughts, there is a risk that he is really completed,” Sonnen stated. “In truth, I am going to go additional to let you already know he isn’t doing it within the subsequent 24 hours.”
The UFC veteran additionally questioned Swoll’s enterprise practices, evaluating him to the “Liver King” controversy and steered that Swoll promoted dietary supplements whereas utilizing anabolic steroids to realize his physique. Sonnen claimed that Swoll’s purchasers weren’t the individuals he helped, however the individuals he ran the enterprise.
Joey Swoll has constructed social media by calling “health club bullies” and selling a optimistic health club tradition. His typical content material contains criticizing those that entice learners and gymnasiums who interact in inappropriate conduct.
Swoll’s departure from social media was short-lived. On August 1st, simply three days after he introduced he was “completed”, Swoll returned with a brand new Tiktok video. In his comeback video, he stated: He defined that he obtained hundreds of supportive messages in his transient absence.
