Ohio Woman Sues Hulk Hogan’s Beer Brand Over Severe Head Injury

Hulk Hogan and his beer company, Real American Beer, are facing legal trouble after an Akron, Ohio, woman was injured at one of the brand’s promotional events.

Akron’s Fox 8 reports that Michelle Harlukowicz has filed a lawsuit against Hogan, his company, and a Medina, Ohio, bar after being struck in the head by a sealed beer can thrown into the crowd during an event on August 19, 2024. The lawsuit, filed on February 10, 2025, alleges negligence, arguing that Hogan and other event promoters created an unsafe environment by tossing full cans of beer to attendees.

According to her attorney, Eric Tayfel, Harlukowicz suffered a deep wound on her forehead, requiring nearly 10 stitches and leaving permanent scarring.

“She had an open wound to her forehead,” Tayfel stated. “It was pretty big. She ended up needing a number of stitches to her head, and she’s going to have some permanent scarring from that.”

The lawsuit claims that Hogan or another event promoter threw the can from an estimated 50 feet away, striking Harlukowicz while she stood near the back of the venue. She reportedly had no warning and no chance to avoid being hit.

Medina Township Police responded to the incident, but no charges were filed as officers were unable to determine who threw the beer. However, the lawsuit holds Hogan, Real American Beer, and Thirsty Cowboys—along with its owner, Aaron Lind—responsible for failing to ensure guest safety.

“How does a responsible company allow full cans of beer to be thrown into a crowd of its guests?” Tayfel questioned.

Harlukowicz is seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

“First of all, we want some accountability,” Tayfel added. “He is still touring around hocking his beer. We certainly don’t want to have this happen to anyone else.”

Fox 8 reached out to Real American Beer and Thirsty Cowboys for comment, but neither responded.

In January 2025, WWE and Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer entered into a multi-year partnership, expanding the brand’s presence within the wrestling industry. As part of the deal, WWE acquired a minority stake in the beer company, which launched in June 2024 and is now available in 20 U.S. states.

The partnership includes extensive branding integration, with the Real American Beer logo displayed on ring mat corners during Monday Night Raw on Netflix. Additionally, WWE provides promotional support across its digital platforms, which reach over 700 million users worldwide. WWE trademarks and Superstars also feature in retail promotions and point-of-sale displays, further solidifying the connection between the beer brand and professional wrestling.