Hulk Hogan is in talks with WWE about “how he can help others learn from his mistakes,” a WWE rep told TheWrap.
Could it mean a return to the federation he dominated for years? Don’t start pre-ripping your red and yellow t-shirts just yet. The wrestler, actor and Gawker destroyer is not under any contract with Vince McMahon’s pro-wrestling promotion.
“We have had discussions with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan) about how he can help others learn from his mistakes, however, he is not under any contract with WWE,” the WWE spokesman said.
Should the Hulkster return to the WWE, it will probably be in what’s called an “Ambassador” role, one company insider told TheWrap.
That generally involves speaking engagements, autograph signings, taking pictures, cutting ribbons, shaking hands and mentoring the young Superstars of WWE and NXT. Should that go well (and if he is received well by the general public), it would not be inconceivable that Hogan’s role within the organization could grow.
Hey, “SmackDown Live” needs a new general manager…
Hogan’s downfall began years ago, when Gawker posted a video of Bollea having sex with his best friend’s wife, Heather Clem. He also used the N-word in recordings that became public.
The former pro wrestler sued Gawker Media in a case that eventually led to a $140 million decision in Hogan’s favor — and hurled the business toward bankruptcy in 2016.
The parent company’s assets were sold to Univision, which shut Gawker down.
Jennifer Maas contributed to this story.
The Evolution of John Cena, from WWE's Doctor of Thuganomics to 'Blockers' (Photos)
John Cena has risen through the professional wrestling ranks to become not just one of WWE's most popular Superstars, but one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment today. With "Blockers" set to open soon, let's take a look back at the rise of Cenation.
1999
Cena first appeared as The Prototype, a semi-robotic character, in the Ohio Valley Wrestling organization (essentially, WWE's minor league system).
Ohio Valley Wrestling
2002
Shortly after being called up to WWE's main roster, Cena adopted a new persona: Doctor of Thuganomics, a white rapper who often spat rhymes before his matches and had a penchant for backwards baseball caps and jersey combos. This also served as the beginning of a secondary career for Cena, who recorded a rap album in 2005 (which debuted at 15 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200) and was featured on the WWE soundtrack album "WWE Originals."
Youtube
2005
After winning the WWE United States Championship the previous year, Cena defeated John "Bradshaw" Mayfield at WrestleMania 21 to win his first World Championship, solidifying his status as a wrestling star.
Youtube
2006
Cena made his feature acting debut in WWE Studios' "The Marine" opposite Robert Patrick. Along with his new wrestling persona as a marine private who sports flags and denim shorts, the movie helped make Cena the new American hero of the WWE.
20th Century Fox
2010
After a guest appearance on "Saturday Night Live," Cena was allowed to display his comedy chops on an episode of USA Network's "Psych," serving as a sign of things to come. Cena would return in 2017 for "Psych: The Movie."
USA Network
2012
After several years of losing and regaining the WWE Championship title, Cena entered into one of the biggest feuds in wrestling history against Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. After Johnson "screwed" Cena out of a match, Cena issued a challenge against Johnson for WrestleMania 28, exactly one year later. The highest-grossing event in WWE history ended with Johnson defeating Cena with his patented "Rock Bottom" move.
Youtube
2013
Cena challenged Johnson to a rematch at WrestleMania 29, a challenge that Johnson accepted. This time, Cena emerged victorious. After the match, the two stars publicly shook hands and embraced, ending their feud.
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2015
2015 turned out to be a breakthrough year for Cena, who appeared in the comedy films "Sisters," "Daddy's Home" and "Trainwreck." He also made a memorable guest appearance as himself in the final season of "Parks and Recreation."
Universal Pictures/NBC
2015 (cont'd)
In addition to his wrestling fans, Cena is known and beloved for his philanthropy, particularly his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Cena began his relationship with the organization in 2004 and has since granted over 500 wishes.
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2016
In 2016, Cena began hosting the Fox reality series "American Grit," which pitted civilians against each other in grueling physical challenges under the guidance of seasoned military vets.
Michael Becker/Fox
2017
Leaning into his image, Cena opened the year by playing a soldier in Doug Liman's war thriller "The Wall" opposite Aaron Taylor-Johnson. He then appeared in "Daddy's Home 2" before voicing a gentle bull with a big heart in "Ferdinand."
Amazon Studios/Twentieth Century Fox
2017 (cont'd)
After hosting the Australian Kids' Choice Awards in 2008, Cena was invited to host the Kids' Choice Awards in 2017. After he charmed and slimed his way into the audience's hearts, he was invited to host again this year.
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2018
Cena will soon appear in his first comedic lead role opposite Leslie Mann and Ike Barinholtz in "Blockers." He will also co-star in the "Transformers" spinoff "Bumblebee" with Hailee Steinfeld, as well as voice recurring villain Baron Draxum in Nickelodeon's new animated series "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."
Universal Pictures
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The wrestling favorite seems destined to inherit The Rock’s throne on his quest from the WWE ring to movie stardom
John Cena has risen through the professional wrestling ranks to become not just one of WWE's most popular Superstars, but one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment today. With "Blockers" set to open soon, let's take a look back at the rise of Cenation.
Ohio Valley Wrestling
