Hulk Hogan testifies in court during his trial against Gawker Media. (Photo : Getty Images/John Pendygraft-Pool)
The WWE did everything in their power to erase Hulk Hogan from their history following an audio of him using racial slurs leaked. However, the company could be hinting Hogan's return after his name was mentioned at Roadblock: End of the Line.
Back in 2012, Gawker Media released a sex tape involving Hogan and Bubba the Love Sponge's wife. An audio from the tape was then leaked last year with Hogan using the N-word to talk about black men dating his daughter, Brooke.
The 63-year-old was immediately released by the WWE following the controversial slurs. The company even erased him from their online shop, official website and the Hall of Fame. His name was even banned from being mentioned by WWE superstars on television.
However, Michael Cole set the internet on fire when he mentioned Hogan's name in the final pay-per-view of the year. It was during the 30-Minute Iron Man Match between Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks for the Raw Women's Championship, per The Sun.
"14-0 in her career in singles pay-per-view matches. She is 17-2 all-time in pay-per-views, and regardless of what happens tonight, Charlotte will have the best start ever in any career in her first 20 pay-per-view matches. Better than the likes of Hulk Hogan, Brock Lesnar and even The Undertaker," Cole said.
According to Cageside Seats, the name-dropping by Cole was instructed by Vince McMahon himself. It was part of the WWE's "test" to see if there will be a backlash in being associated with Hogan. The company has been slowly bringing back "Hulkamania."
The WWE recently used Hogan's voice on an advertisement on the WWE Network. His name has also been mentioned on several WWE podcasts by Shane McMahon, Edge, and Christian. His image was even included during the video tribute for Muhammad Ali.
Even Brooke Hogan dropped hints about his father returning at WrestleMania 33 in an ambush interview with TMZ Sports last month. She revealed that her father talked with WWE officials about the possibility of appearing at next year's grand spectacle.
The Hulkster has denied her daughter's claim but the WWE might just want him to stay quiet since they would want his return to be a surprise. Nevertheless, the return of "Hulkamania" where he belongs is going to happen next year.
Check out the video below to see Brock Lesnar crash Hogan's birthday party in an episode of Monday Night Raw. For more WWE news, rumors and updates, kindly follow me on Twitter @johnnyrundown.
