WWE News: Hulk Hogan ‘Expected’ Return To WWE Being Supported By Legends, Current Stars
Rumors are flying that Hulk Hogan — who finalized his legal issues just last week — is already in discussions with the WWE to return to the company in some role by Wrestlemania 33, multiple reports have suggested.
After news had broken that Hulk Hogan had agreed to a $31 million settlement with Gawker, Wrestling News World reported that the legendary wrestler would return to help WWE market its products to lapsed fans according to the article.
“Regarding Hulk Hogan’s latest settlement, he’s expected to return to WWE in some capacity at some point. I wouldn’t look for a full-time TV return but could very much see him resuming an ambassadorial type role to help them sell WWE Network subscriptions.”
The legend’s daughter — Brooke Hogan — confirmed that her father was already in discussions with the WWE about a possible return to the ring. Breaking the news Saturday night to TMZ, Brooke also told the news outlet that Wrestlemania 33 could be the potential return date for Hulk Hogan.
“I’ll just say that I know people have been calling him for Wrestlemania.”
Did Brooke Hogan hint that Hulk could return to the WWE for WrestleMania next year? https://t.co/xYfW8ygxkZ pic.twitter.com/WyPObVxpU2
— Complex (@Complex) November 6, 2016
Some wrestlers in the WWE — especially younger individuals who grew up idolizing Hulk Hogan — are for the legend’s return. Count Finn Balor, the first-ever WWE Universal Champion, among the individuals who believe the WWE is better with Hulk Hogan among the wrestlers on the roster, according to comments he recently made in Pittsburgh.
“Obviously, the expression is [that] anything can happen in the WWE, and me as a fan, I would love Hulk Hogan to come back. I don’t know if that’s possible, but a lot stranger things have happened in the past, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility one bit – and I’d love it. If I got an opportunity to wrestle Hulk Hogan, that would be even better.”
Former WWE superstar Scott Hall also predicted in a recent Sports Illustrated article that Hulk Hogan would return to the ring soon. Calling the events leading up to the firing “a bad day,” Scott Hall said the WWE and Hulk Hogan have to reconcile.
“The whole world was coming down on him, and he slipped up. He said the wrong thing. I’ve been around Hulk a lot and never seen that side of him. I’ve only seen a kind, generous guy. If the door is not open for him, it should be.”
The rumors that the WWE will welcome Hulk Hogan back into the company seem to have some truth thus far. Bleacher Report has already noted that matches involving Hulk Hogan have returned to the WWE Network, and the company is using his voice in a new advertisement for the online service.
Hulk Hogan Sues Gawker Again, For Allegedly Releasing Racist Audio, Highlight Hollywood News https://t.co/f1uoc4QUjv pic.twitter.com/np5m8bwCem
— Tommy Lightfoot Garrett (@Highlighthwd) May 2, 2016
Hulk Hogan first became persona non grata for the WWE after a 2007 audio recording surfaced in July, 2015, that revealed the legendary wrestler using racist slurs. Although he issued an apology for the recording, the company distanced itself from Hulk Hogan by firing the iconic figure in August, 2015, as well as scrubbing his profile and matches from the WWE Network.
While Hulk Hogan couldn’t fight and win that battle with the WWE, the wrestler was locked into another fight he ultimately proved victorious from — the Gawker lawsuit. After Gawker Media had published a two-minute video showing him and Heather Clem having sex, Hulk Hogan sued the company for violating his privacy. In March, 2016, a jury sided with Hulk Hogan and awarded him $140 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
Hulk Hogan later sued Gawker again in May 2016 believe that the audio recording that led to his firing — once part of sealed court documents — was leaked by Gawker in response to the original lawsuit. Since then, Gawker has ceased existence and been bought by Univision Communications at a bankruptcy auction for $135 million.
Do you think Hulk Hogan should be allowed to return to the WWE now his legal troubles have been resolved? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
[Featured Image by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images]
