It appears that wrestling fans aren’t the only ones who don’t want to see a Hulk Hogan vs. Sting match. According to reports, in the interest of Hogan’s health (and good taste), doctors are recommending that the Hulkster never wrestle again. Is it really over for Hulkamania?
Dave Meltzer reports in his latest issue of the Wrestling Observer that Hulk Hogan’s doctors have told the former WWE and WCW world champion to forget about a comeback. While many believed that Hogan’s career was over after Hogan’s nine hour back surgery which required numerous rods to be placed in his back, Hulk Hogan once again refuses to do the job.
At this point no matter how you feel about Hulk, it is hard not to sympathize with him. For one, on the outside he looks great. He looks more lean and shredded than in recent years. Two, like him or not he was one of the greatest of all time and really is the Babe Ruth of pro wrestling. Three, he never got that big retirement match or sendoff that he rightly deserves. Even if he does get it in TNA, it won’t be the same unless it comes at WrestleMania. I can understand why he is hanging on but at some point he has to do the right thing for his health and his family.
I can’t imagine that money is a big factor in this. Hogan’s financial situation has practically bottomed out in recent years thanks to his divorce and a big settlement as a result of an accident involving his son. He is far from poor but I can’t imagine he’d be able to live the same lifestyle he had been accustomed to living for 25 years and I am sure that is tough. It isn’t as if the guy blew all of his money, unfortunately it would appear from his side of the story that his ex-wife and divorce had a great deal to with that.
Meltzer also reports that Hogan is planning to wrestle regardless of the physical advice. Hogan vs. Sting is still on the docket and the Hulkster expects to lace up the boots in the near future. If Dixie Carter, Jeff Jarrett, Vince Russ, and Hogan’s best friend Eric Bischoff had any compassion whatsoever for their friend they would squash this in a second. Additionally, as a company TNA has to be very careful about allowing someone get into the ring against doctor’s orders. No matter what kind of waiver Hogan was to sign, I’d imagine that the company would still be put in a compromising situation.
Unless I missed an impromptu match, it would appear that Hulk Hogan’s final wrestling match was March 8, 2010 on TNA Impact. Hogan teamed with Abyss and wrestled AJ Styles and Ric Flair. Is that the way a legend like Hogan should go out? No, but it is sure better than a permanent wheelchair.
WWE: Wrestlemania 27 Collector’s Edition DVD
WWE: Hulk Hogan’s Unreleased Collector’s Series DVD
WWE – Hollywood Hulk Hogan – Hulk Still Rules DVD
Hulk Hogan’s autobiography, My Life Outside the Ring.
WWE – Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology on DVD.
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