From the WWE Rumor Mill: Hulk Hogan is in talks with WWE regarding a return

What's the story?

In the last few minutes, Mike Johnson of PW Insider broke the story that Hulk Hogan and WWE are in discussions about the Hulkster returning to the company.

In case you didn't know...

Hulk Hogan, a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the biggest names in wrestling, last appeared on WWE television in July 2015.

Hulk Hogan was released by WWE after a recording emerged of WWE's one-time landmark star using racially insensitive language.

Controversy had also struck when Hogan, with a video posted online by Gawker in a notorious case that saw Gawker declare bankruptcy and Hogan awarded $115m - but later coming to a settlement of $31m - and which is now reportedly being made into a television series.

Hogan was fired immediately after the racism scandal, though, having hosted WrestleMania the year before in New Orleans, subsequently in the same building that this year's event emanates from.

The heart of the matter

PW Insider is reporting that discussions are underway for Hulk Hogan to return to the company and that conversations have been happening for several weeks.

PWInsider report that, after a request for comment, WWE responded with 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."

It isn't yet known what role Hulk Hogan would play if he were to return, but Mike Johnson speculates that the Hulkster could be anything from an authority role on Smackdown Live, appearing at the Greatest Royal Rumble, or even partnering Braun Strowman at WrestleMania!

It could simply be that Hogan returns as an ambassador for the company, but Hogan's return would be huge news and it is likely that WWE would try to capitalize on a comeback.

A Hogan return would be huge news given his release in 2015

A return would be huge as Hogan’s firing saw the star be "deleted" from WWE's virtual history books -with his image being removed from the official website, including his WWE Hall of Fame profile page... Although one WWE Superstar who knows all about deletion recently offered a solution...

I’m deleted. HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) March 20, 2018

I could certainly SUBMERGE you into The Lake of Reincarnation, Hogan of Hollywood.. It truly does work WONDERS for DELETED VESSELS. https://t.co/xMEqxyxaYr

— #WOKEN Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) March 21, 2018

Although WWE have gradually shown Hulk Hogan some favor over the past year and change with Hogan appearing in video packages and on Ric Flair's ESPN 30 For 30.

Hogan has publicly apologized for his remarks.

No, I'm not. I'm not a racist. I never should have said what I said. It was wrong. I'm embarrassed by it, but a lot of people need to realize that you inherit things from the environment and when I grew up, it was South Tampa...it was a rough neighborhood, very low income, and all my friends...we greeted each other saying that word. The word was thrown around like it was nothing.

What's next?

Well, only time will tell whether Hulk Hogan will make a return to WWE - but you would have to think that it's definitely possible if not probable.

Given what's happened in the world of wrestling in 2018, it's definitely not outwith the realm of reality that Hulkamania will run wild once more - and it definitely looks more likely now than ever before!

Author's take

Well, this one definitely divides opinion. I was pretty shocked and condemned Hogan when the audio was leaked - but the comments were made 12 years ago and Hulk has shown remorse and apologized profusely.

Mark Henry even spoke out last month about the possibility of Hogan returning, detailing one condition where the former WWE Superstar would be well and truly forgiven.

One thing is for certain, Hulk's return would be polarising.