A WWE Icon Speaks
Hulk Hogan, a name synonymous with the wrestling world, has captivated fans for decades with his larger-than-life persona and riveting performances. Given his stature in the WWE universe, it’s a point of intrigue for many why the iconic Hogan never received a grandeur retirement match or a triumphant last stint in WWE.
Hogan, with genuine wistfulness in his voice, remarked, “I would have loved to have had that last match, but now it’s completely out of the picture. You know, I’m just too beat up from the surgeries. I think if I took a couple of bumps, you probably would have to cut up me again. But no, I really wanted to have that last match. I wasn’t sure, I think it was WrestleMania 25 in Orlando.”
The Cena Clash that Never Was
Hogan’s words pull back the curtain on what could’ve been one of the greatest wrestling spectacles of all time: a match-up against John Cena. This would have been a dream clash for wrestling aficionados, pitting two of the industry’s most influential figures against each other.
Hogan delved deeper into this missed opportunity: “Vince had me all hooked up with Cena and I said I’d do it. Vince and I were talking every week and we were putting the plans together, you know, like the old days where I was in the office every day, him and I were talking every day, and all of a sudden I’m on the phone with Vince I was like, ‘Oh my God. Oh, my back.”
A Farewell Eluded by Fate
It’s evident that the relentless spirit was there, but Hogan’s physical limitations, mainly due to his back issues, pulled the plug on what would’ve undoubtedly been a historic bout. The arduous surgeries and the physical toll of years in the ring had left Hogan battered and broken.
The sheer possibility of Hogan vs. Cena at WrestleMania 25 would have been a monumental moment, not only for the two icons but for the world of wrestling as a whole. Sadly, despite the mutual excitement and frequent talks between McMahon and Hogan, the wrestling gods had other plans.
Reflecting on a Legacy
Although Hogan might not have had his desired send-off match, his legacy remains untouched. His unmatched contributions to the sport, his charismatic presence, and the countless memories he’s provided to fans worldwide ensure that he will always be revered as one of the true greats. The wrestling ring might not witness another Hogan-Cena face-off, but the legend of Hulk Hogan will continue to echo in the annals of WWE history.
