WWE News: Hulk Hogan Confirmed To Return To ‘Friday Night SmackDown’ Tonight

This week’s episode from WWE‘s blue brand looks to be quite exciting, and now there’s a been a last-minute addition. Up until Friday afternoon, there had not been any rumors of a big return, but it is definitely happening. Later this year, Hulk Hogan will be entering the WWE Hall of Fame again, and this week, he’s returning to Friday Night SmackDown.

The official website of WWE confirmed the appearance two hours before the show was set to air. Before that, Hogan’s return was not mentioned on WWE’s website or social media accounts.

Later this year, Hogan will enter the Hall of Fame for the second time, this time as a member of the New World Order (nWo). He has already been inducted on his own, and for this induction, he will be joined by Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean “X-Pac” Waltman.

WWE’s preview of his Friday Night SmackDown appearance focuses on the nWo induction. It even states that Hogan is appearing to strictly “discuss his upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the nWo.”

This year’s Hall of Fame ceremony is taking place in Tampa, Florida, on April 2, 2020, which is nearly two months away. Hogan coming back to television now could be a ploy to increase the ratings for Friday Night SmackDown on Fox.

As of this writing, there has been no word on other members of the nWo appearing on tonight’s show. Wrestling Inc. is reporting that Hogan has been booked for WWE Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia later this month, and he could be appearing to promote that event as well.

Tonight’s episode of SmackDown also includes:

• SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs. Carmella
• The Miz & John Morrison vs. Roman Reigns & Mystery Partner
• Otis figures a way to capture the heart of Mandy Rose on Valentine’s Day

When Friday Night SmackDown moved over to Fox, it was a huge move for WWE, as it marked the first time that the company had a weekly show on network TV. The deal also included a lot of money changing hands, and the network is looking for a ratings boost.

Last week, Goldberg appeared via taped message to promote an upcoming match with Bray Wyatt at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia later this month, and now Hulk Hogan is heading back to the company to talk about his upcoming induction with the nWo.