Hulk Hogan has made a grand return to WWE after a six-year absence, appearing live on Raw to launch the company's new streaming network. The 60-year-old wrestling icon also featured on WWE Raw Backstage Pass, broadcast on the WWE Network.
Following the event, Hogan took to Twitter to express his gratitude, writing: 'Great night for me and all my Hulkamaniacs, with such a warm welcome from the talent in the back to the ROAR of the WWE UNIVERSE.' Earlier, he had tweeted: 'Well I guess it's that time again, I hope they are ready, this is gonna be the best run ever, it's great to finally be home, WWE4LIFE.'
His return was announced last week, just ahead of the 30th WrestleMania. While Hogan is not currently scheduled to wrestle at the event, he has not ruled out a future return to the ring, stating: 'Right now, it's not in the plans. But like they say in the WWE, never say never.' Instead, he will focus on representing the company and participating in WWE programming.
Hogan, whose Hulkamania era began in 1984 when he defeated The Iron Sheik to win the WWE championship at Madison Square Garden, has won six WWE titles and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone. He has also worked with TNA Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling, and has appeared in films and television shows including 'Robot Chicken' and 'American Dad', as well as a reality series with his family.
The launch of the new WWE Network, a streaming service for pay-per-view events, comes amid recent controversy. Retired professional wrestler Mick Foley criticised WWE after Daniel Bryan was excluded from the Royal Rumble, tweeting: 'Does @WWE actually hate their own audience? I've never been so disgusted with a PPV.'
