Will Hulk Hogan Ever Come Back to WWE?

Hulk Hogan may have a victory over Gawker but will that lead back to the good graces of WWE management?

The mysterious WWE blacklist is the stuff of pop culture legend. Who is on it? Why? Is it a physical list held in an actual vault like the recipe for Coca-Cola? Only Vince McMahon knows for sure and it is unlikely he plans to share this information anytime soon. Whether or not the list is real or entirely in Vince’s mind may never be known but we do know that some former WWE employees will likely remain there until the end of time. There are various reasons why a wrestler’s entire body of work can be redacted ranging from subtle love triangle squabbles (Chyna) to heartbreaking headlines (Chris Benoit).

When Hulk Hogan’s infamous racial tirade exploded onto the world in July 2015, WWE was quick to shield themselves from the blast. They terminated his contract, removed his merchandise from official online retailers and scrubbed him from most of their web pages. The message to Hogan and the world was that even the biggest name in the history of the professional wrestling industry wasn’t invincible when compared to the socially conscious image they were trying to foster.

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In the aftermath, many wrestlers (white and black) came out in support of Hogan but the damage was done. Everyone knew the WWE couldn’t associate itself with a guy who seemed quite comfortable repeatedly using the n-word in casual conversation. I don’t blame them for this decision because it was necessary from a business standpoint but I can’t stay mad at anyone who was in Gremlins 2.

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That’s not to say some sins can’t be forgiven. Bret Hart, Ultimate Warrior and Macho Man Randy Savage once held prestigious places on the blacklist based on their unique indiscretions. Bret was involved in the most infamous public showcase of sour grapes and kayfabe breaking in the history of professional wrestling; Vince McMahon created a DVD whose sole purpose was a total character assassination of The Ultimate Warrior; and Macho Man’s departure remains the subject of the most interesting urban legend in wrestling history. Time heals all wounds and these three men were eventually inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, with Hart and Warrior historically mending fences face-to-face with Vince.

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Because I live the cero miedo life, I am making a bold prediction that Hulk Hogan will be back in the WWE by 2025. While it would be impossible to remove him entirely from WWE lore, the company has done their best to act as if he doesn’t exist because of his statements, even in light of his recent victory in court. Perhaps WWE is aware that Hogan’s scripted mea culpa following the release of the tape was more about apologizing for getting caught; not for what he actually said. When it comes to the entertainment industry and professional wrestling especially, you never say never.

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In 10 years or so people may not care all that much or even remember what Hulk Hogan said in private conversation. But for now, even $140 million won’t make us forget that in his own words, Hogan described himself as “racist…to a point...”