Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE to celebrate 40 years of Hulkamania has been rumored for several weeks. As a surprise, Hogan appeared on today’s RAW episode via video footage, teasing his entry into the 40-man Royal Rumble match.
Last week, Hogan made headlines after rescuing a 17-year-old girl from a car accident in Clearwater, Florida. WWE fans praised and celebrated Hogan’s actions on social media. However, after today’s announcement of Hogan entering the Royal Rumble match, fans are heated up and criticized him for his past activities.
Hulk Hogan teases possible Royal Rumble participation
Today’s Monday Night RAW marked the 1600th episode of one of the promotion’s most-watched weekly shows, The RAW. Before the main event match between Damien Priest and Drew McIntyre, The Hulkster’s video appeared on the big screen. In the video, Hogan expressed gratitude to the fans for their support over the past 40 years and shared a few words about the upcoming Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches scheduled for this Saturday.
In the video, Hogan said, “You never know who’s gonna show up; I might have one left in me.” He expressed that the Royal Rumble stands out as one of the most unpredictable and thrilling matches in WWE history, emphasizing that anyone has the potential to make a surprise appearance in the event. Hogan also conveyed his desire to have one final match in WWE.
Hulk Hogan talking about the #RoyalRumble this Saturday: “You never know who’s gonna show up, I might have one left in me.”#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/VjyZUZZm2t
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 23, 2024
The 30 Men Royal Rumble match presents a jackpot opportunity for WWE Superstars to headline the main event at WrestleMania. Known for surprise entrants and the return of WWE superstars, the Royal Rumble match holds a special place in WWE.
Hogan has won the Royal Rumble twice in his career, in 1990 and 1991, and has been a part of many memorable moments in the match. His last wrestling match occurred in 2013 against Sting in a TNA event. Since then, he has undergone multiple surgeries on his back and hips. If he is indeed set to appear in the Royal Rumble match, it would mark his first match in nearly 10 years.
Wrestling fans slam Hulk Hogan for his Royal Rumble teaser
Hulk Hogan’s statement about the possibility of him being in the Royal Rumble Match has shocked WWE fans and did not sit well with many wrestling enthusiasts. Fans took to social media to express their displeasure and disbelief.
Fans pointed out that Hogan is 70 years old and has not wrestled since 2013, when he faced Sting in a match that ended in a no-contest. They also criticized him for past instances of racism.
He barely can satisfy his young wife
— Larry (@Passion2Wrestle) January 23, 2024
Hogan has been involved in a racism controversy since 2015 when a video leaked featuring him using the n-word and making derogatory remarks about his daughter’s love life.
WWE promptly removed him from the official website and banned him from entering the WWE arena. Many WWE fans and fellow wrestlers were disappointed and expressed their anger at his behavior.
Keep that racist out of the rumble https://t.co/9oh7ULQaDF
— AgostoAllElite Podcast™ (Richie Agosto) (@AgostoAllElite) January 23, 2024
Later on, Hogan apologized for his racist rant, claiming that he was in a “dark place” at the time. Following this apology, WWE lifted the ban, and Hogan was inducted into the Hall of Fame class of 2018. However, the recent statement has sparked speculation among fans about whether Hogan is serious about making an in-ring return at the age of 70.
