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Black WWE superstars react to Hulk Hogan's reinstatement

OPINION: The New Day (Photo credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage)

WWE STARS The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) have released statements outlining their reaction to Hulk Hogan's reinstatement into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Hogan was removed three years ago after making racially insensitive comments, captured on audio. The soundbite included Hogan calling himself a racist and using the N-Word.

In a statement released by WWE.com on Monday, they said: “After a three-year suspension, Hulk Hogan has been reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. This second chance follows Hogan’s numerous public apologies and volunteering to work with young people, where he is helping them learn from his mistake. These efforts led to a recent induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame.”

Kofi Kingston, part of WWE’s mega-popular trio The New Day, shared on Twitter response to Hogan’s reinstatement on behalf of the group.

Kingston wrote that he, Xavier Woods and Big E, who are WWE’s biggest African-American stars on the current roster, have been “bombarded” by questions from fans regarding WWE’s decision.

“How do we feel? Indifferent. We are not happy, or sad, angry or resentful. Who WWE puts into the HOF is totally and completely up to the company and from a career standpoint, there is no argument on whether or not Hogan should have his place. We have no problem with his re-introduction in the slightest degree. It is impossible to even begin to mention and history and evolution of the business without mentioning his name and accolades," said the statement.

"On a personal level, when someone makes racist and hateful comments about any race or group of people, especially to the degree that Hogan made about our people, we find it difficult to simply forget, regardless of how long ago it was, or the situation in which those comments were made. But we also do not respond with more feelings of hate. Instead, we just do not associate with the people who convey or have conveyed this negative and hurtful mindset.

"This instance will be no different. Perhaps if we see him make a genuine effort to change, then maybe our opinion will change with him. Time will tell.”

WWE star Titus O'Neil echoed their sentiments.

"In FULL AGREEMENT AND SUPPORT OF EVERYTHING SAID IN THIS STATEMENT," O'Neil tweeted. "MY additional response to this to follow as there have been NUMEROUS ERRONEOUS reports on my Views and Response-to this situation.

Read his statement below:

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