WWE 2016 News and Rumors: Hulk Hogan Returning? WWE Mending Ties with Wrestling Icon

By Maverick Russel Flores, CP Contributor Saturday, September 17, 2016

For over two decades, Hulk Hogan was the centerpiece of American pro-wrestling. He was an undisputed icon in the World Wrestling Federation, now WWE.His legacy of late had been marred by countless scandals, but Hogan remains one of the most remarkable superstars in sports entertainment history.

For true-blue wrestling fans, however, Hogan may still have a fight left in him. Rumors suggest that the WWE may be building him up for a return in the near future.

Reputation check

Despite Hogan's iconic stature in WWE history, the company had been distancing itself from him for while. Last year, Hogan was embroiled in sensitive legal case; he sued a gossip site, Gawker Media, for releasing his sex tape without his permission.

The video featured Hogan and his friend's wife. He had since won the case and had been awarded $140 million for punitive damages, economic damages and emotional distress. The court ordered Gawker owner Nick Denton to pay for the damages himself, and the latter had filed for bankruptcy.

The tape also sparked another scandal, when further audio revealed Hogan's racist rant. He spoke about his daughter, Brooke, dating a black guy and using the n-word in the process.

All these events combined, WWE was forced to stray from the Hulk Hogan character, save for a few mentions on his legacy here and there.

Hulkamania back in action

However, it seems WWE had a change of heart. Rumor has it that they are priming a Hogan comeback. His voice-overs are being used again on WWE Network, and Hogan himself had gone on record in an interview with Eric Bischoff that he would like to get back the company's trust.

There is still a lot of debate on whether Hulkamania should return or not, especially with the superstar reaching the ripe age of 62. This might be his last run with the company, should he come back into the ring or some WWE program. Fans, however, are still questioning if he still deserves the opportunity after everything.