Hulk Hogan has been absent for several years in the professional wrestling world since WWE terminated his contract. He is rumored for a return as his appearance in some WWE Network commercials hints that the veteran is set for a comeback.
Hogan's return is hinted by his several commercial appearances in the WWE Network. According to Forbes, it appears that WWE is planning to gradually phase Hogan back into their programming.
WWE's recent treatment of one of its most famous former wrestlers is a departure from the network's decision to cut ties with him following his racism back in July 2015. Since then, WWE hasn't featured Hogan, WrestlingInc.com reported. The wrestler's re-emergence through some of WWE's commercials is a sign that the organization is testing the waters for the 63-year old's return.
Hogan featured in WWE's documentary about professional wrestling, and fans have speculated his involvement as the sign of an impending comeback. WWE's Raw general manager Eric Bischoff told Wrestle Zone that Hulk Hogan is synonymous to professional wrestling, denoting that a return is in the cards.
"The fact that he was in the documentary suggested to me that they were probably going to, over time, reintegrate Hulk back in to the WWE content," Bischoff said. "I'm not surprised. I'm happy. I think the fans want to see that."
Hogan is considered as the greatest professional wrestler of all time. Fans and critics agree that he's responsible for making professional wrestling internationally viable. His popularity in the industry is, of course, highly undisputed.
The wrestler's racism scandal back in 2015 stemmed out of allegations from enemies, who accused him of being racist. Three black wrestlers - Virgil, Kamala, and Booker T came to his defense, saying that they knew Hogan personally and that he's never into racism. Former NBA player Dennis Rodman, Hogan's good friend, also stood up for him.
Nevertheless, WWE decided to end Hogan's contract on July 24, 2015. A year after his absence, it now appears that the wrestler's closing in on a return.
