WWE Rumors: Hulk Hogan ‘WrestleMania 33’ Match Odds Increase Speculation For Return

Could former WWE champion Hulk Hogan be part of a WrestleMania 33 match in 2017? The rumors are kicking up a bit based on some recent match odds that show Hogan’s potential to make an appearance. The longtime professional wrestling star and pop culture icon has been out of the ring for some time but has been known to show up at major events. However, some recent controversy caused the WWE to cut ties with Hogan. Will the issues be mended in time for the Hulkster to show up at Mania in Orlando, Florida?

According to the New York Post, Hulk Hogan’s banishment by WWE could soon end. The site notes that WWE disassociated itself with the legendary wrestler ever since his infamous audio tape was played for the world. On that tape, Hogan was heard ranting and using racial slurs. It led to WWE “cutting ties” with the Hulkster, including the deletion of his profile page on their website and the removal of his merchandise from the WWE online store. Typing in the name “Hulk Hogan” on a WWE website search leads to multiple results, none of which include Hulk Hogan.

However, it seems WWE might be slowly reintroducing the champion’s name. At the most recent WWE pay-per-view, Roadblock: End of the Line, there was also a brief mention of Hulk Hogan’s name. Commentator Michael Cole mentioned the legend along with several other big names as women’s wrestler Charlotte attempted to continue her undefeated streak at pay-per-view events.

Cole talked up the accomplishments of the women’s star and how it bested some of the top wrestlers in the business.

“14-0 in her career in singles pay-per-view matches. She is 17-2 all-time in pay-per-views, and regardless of what happens tonight, Charlotte will have the best start ever in any career in her first 20 pay-per-view matches. Better than the likes of Hulk Hogan, Brock Lesnar and even The Undertaker.”

As reported several days ago via WWE Leaks, Hulk Hogan’s odds to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania have been cut. Hogan was listed at 200 to one odds but has moved to 75 to one odds, making him less of a longshot to not only appear in the match but win the trophy. Of course, there are numerous other stars ahead of him on that list, including Finn Balor, who could win the match in his big return to the ring.

Hulk Hogan appeared at WWE’s WrestleMania 31. During that appearance, he had a run-in during a match involving Sting vs. Triple H. Hogan appeared alongside Kevin Nash and Scott Hall wearing their original NWO black wrestling gear to try to interfere. Hogan was not part of the official match, though.

A match like the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal could come during the WrestleMania pre-show, or WWE could use it to open the event. However, a big surprise return like Hogan’s would seem best suited for somewhere in the first hour or two of the pay-per-view, as it would hype up the fans. WWE brought in a surprise entrant with Shaquille O’Neal at a previous edition of the match.

Since Hogan resides in Florida, it’s not a stretch to imagine that he could be involved in the WrestleMania event in Orlando. WWE has managed to patch up issues with other legends to make sure they got in the ring again or were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Having Hogan on hand, along with other major stars such as Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, Triple H, John Cena, and The Undertaker, would give WWE a star-studded event to outdo WrestleMania prior to it.

It was also mentioned by New York Post that Shane McMahon mentioned Hogan’s name during a podcast on WWE Network and that Hogan’s voice was used in an advertisement on the network. Those could be clues that a return is coming or merely oversights by WWE. However, wrestling fans would certainly go into a frenzy if the Hulkster’s music hits at the next WrestleMania.

WWE fans, do you think Hulk Hogan should be associated with the WWE again? Will he show up at WrestleMania 33 in Orlando in a match or just as a guest appearance?

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