Legendary pro-wrestler and reality-TV star Hulk Hogan is reportedly in talks to return to the WWE in some way, according to PWInsider.
PWInsider reports that “conversations are underway for Hogan, 64 years old, to return to the company. Discussions began several weeks ago.” If true, this would be Hulk’s first return to the WWE in nearly three years. The WWE confirmed talks with PWInsider in a 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.”
Those mistakes they’re referring to are what precipitated his eventual departure from the wrestling business in 2015. The WWE dramatically cut ties with Hogan after his leaked 2006 sex tape caught Hogan making racist remarks about his daughter’s African American former boyfriend. The tape was made public in 2015 by the National Enquirer and later by Gawker.com. Hogan legally obliterated Gawker, suing them twice and eventually winning a $115 million judgment. Hogan’s suit entirely bankrupted Gawker and they eventually settled for $31 million.
Which brings me to my final assessment. Racism is downright despicable, and the WWE was right to cut ties with him. Hulk has since apologized extensively and many of his African American colleagues have said they have zero reason to believe Hogan is actually racist. It still doesn’t make it OK, but the entertainment industry tends to be a pretty morally flexible place.
I’ve known @HulkHogan for 25 years. Here he is hanging with Kylin in NJ. There isn’t a racist bone in that mans body. http://t.co/QnT9rmrpVe
— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) July 24, 2015
But one thing’s true about the WWE. They recognize talent where they see it. Hulk made a sex tape while he was married and ended up $31 million richer from it. Talk about a champion’s mentality. There aren’t many people that can pull that maneuver off. So if the WWE is looking to boost their roster and get some fighters back in the ring, I think Hogan’s their guy.
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