Tonight is Legends Night on Raw, and one of those returning to the WWE is Hulk Hogan. While Hogan is one of many legends being invited to tonight’s show, he might be one of the ones least likely to be received backstage if you ask him.
Hogan spoke to ESPN about his return tonight, and revealed the return is a “mixed bag.” He said some superstars are happy to see him, and others seem to give him a cold shoulder.
Hogan added he doesn’t really understand why younger stars in the locker room are cold to him, because he has retired from the ring and isn’t looking for their spot. He did note that others like Edge and Seth Rollins are usually happy to see him.
“It’s a mixed bag. Some people I get a really warm reception from. Some of the younger guys are really cold to me, like I’m coming to steal the main event. And I’m like, ‘I can’t do this anymore, guys! I’m not a threat!’”
“Going back with all the legends will be a lot of fun. When I’ve gone back before by myself, there have been certain wrestlers, like Edge and Seth Rollins, that have told me to my face that the only reason they got into this business was because of me.”
“The newer kids … I don’t think they know who I am all the way? The wake-up call that really got me was with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. We weren’t really close at all, but over the last few years have become good friends. It caught me off guard when he called me one day, and we’re chatting about cars or something and all of a sudden he goes, ‘Damn, Hogan. I was on the internet the other day and I can’t believe all the stuff you did in your career!’ When Stone Cold didn’t realize that I did “The Love Boat” and Johnny Carson, then I understood why the young people didn’t know.”
Hulk Hogan has a shadow over him involving a lot of controversy. Whether it’s based on racist comments said in the past, or the fact his ego wouldn’t allow him to pass the torch in his later years, Hogan is probably less likely disliked backstage because of younger stars not knowing who he is and more based on the stories of what he has done in the business to talents and the things he’s said. Hogan may not understand why they feel the way they do, but Hogan still believes he is universally loved.
He might not be there to take anyone’s spot tonight, but WWE believes his appearance will help increase sagging ratings. We’ll know tomorrow if that ploy was successful.
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