When someone talks about the WWE, a lot of names are considered at first thought. The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Andre the Giant, Brock Lesnar, the Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena often come to mind. They were all WWE champions at one point. However, one name is left off this list and it’s due to his recent controversy in the public eye. Hulk Hogan, who many consider the first-mega star in WWE, was released from his WWE contract in the last several months.
His situation isn’t worth repeating, but there were many racist remarks from a sex tape with the ex-wife of his former friend, Bubba “the Love” Sponge. Since then, Hogan was blacklisted from the WWE, removed from the Alumni page, and his memories nearly erased. Luckily for Hogan, his likeness is starting to come back on WWE programming, and digitally, he’s being remembered again.
That doesn’t take away what he did, but it appears the WWE is warming up to the idea of having Hulk Hogan back in the company. Triple H commented recently about Hogan coming back to the WWE and his answer will surprise some people.
“For me I hope so. It’s about reinvigorating his brand and him as a human being and the confidence within the world as to who he is. But the one thing about people, in general, when somebody is on top they love to see him fall and when they fall they love to see him make that comeback. They’re great stories, and I think that’s where people are.
“Do I think he can be forgiven and make amends with the world and move forward? Yeah absolutely. But at the same point in time for us in that time frame you’re putting up a message to the world of how you’ll tolerate things and how you’ll react to things. We did what we needed to do, and he’ll do what he needs to do to get himself back.
“To me, at the end of the day for him, how he’s perceived by the world, him as a human being, I’m sure is a lot more important to him than anything else. And re-establishing who he is as a human being I’m sure is of utmost important to him and I’m sure he’s going to do it and when he does, we’ll go from there.”
If Triple H isn’t totally against bringing back Hulk Hogan, then perhaps it will happen within the next 365 days. Hogan isn’t talked about anymore; not even among wrestling journalists. His name escaped the limelight and the media moved on to their next big story. The former WWE champion doesn’t need to hide anymore, if he ever was.
Recently, Hulk Hogan presented his Evening with Hulk Hogan event in Sheffield, England. He addressed his future in the wrestling business. Hogan told the wrestling fans that they are loyal, and admits to have made a huge mistake. Hogan once again says what he said isn’t really who he is.
At the end of the day, Hogan said he isn’t done yet and needs to learn another lesson. When the Hulkster said he isn’t done, believe the Hulkster. Nobody can replace his position in WWE history. Chris Benoit and CM Punk didn’t have the impact Hogan did. Without Hogan, there may not be a WWE to watch each week.
Will Triple H convince Vince McMahon to allow Hogan back in the WWE? Only time will tell, but his status in public society is only gaining steam each day. Once the media backs off of Hogan altogether, then his return to the WWE will remain seamless.
[Image via YouTube.com]
