PWInsider.com has learned that conversations are underway for Hulk Hogan, 64-years old, to return to the WWE. Discussions began several weeks ago.
There is no word yet as to what role Hogan could play for the company should the two sides come to terms. The obvious guess would be an authority role for the Smackdown brand. It fits logically, given that Shane McMahon has taken a “leave of absence” from his role as Smackdown Live’s storyline Commissioner and Daniel Bryan is returning as a pro wrestler, but that’s just a guess.
It could simply be Hogan is returning to resume his former duties as an ambassador for the company. Wrestlemania is coming and as nonsensical as it sounds, Braun Strowman needs a partner. WWE is also lining up tons of major names for the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Hogan would certainly fit in as a major addition there. There will always be a need for star power to mine for future DVD and WWE Network projects. Hogan fits into all those scenarios and many more.
WWE, in responding to a PWInsider request for comment, issued the following statement:
“We have had discussions with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan) about how he can help others learn from his mistakes, however, he is not under any contract with WWE."
Hogan was fired by WWE in July 2015 after a tape of Hogan using racially insensitive language towards African-Americans was leaked to the public, first published by The National Enquirer. Hogan’s conversation, including an angry rant about his daughter Brooke’s then-boyfriend (who was African-American), had been secretly filmed in 2006 by Hogan’s former best friend, radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. In what would become a huge media story, Hogan was also secretly filmed sleeping with Bubba’s then-wife Heather Clem.
