It's hard to say with a straight face that I'd rather watch Bobby Lashley or Umaga than the Hulkster. But I do think the giants* do more harm than good by not walking away when they should. As a good rule of thumb, when it's impossible to top, today, what you did yesterday, it's time to hang it up. Hogan should let his legacy stand as-is. Austin, too.

* The "giants" being Hogan, Austin, Flair, etc.—not to be confused with (no offense) "lesser" Legends who bring a fun element of surprise and nostalgia to the Royal Rumble.

I sure don't want to see Austin face anyone if his neck is as bad as it's reported to be. Especially Hogan. Though it would be interesting to see who would get the cheers.

I'm with you all the way on this one Kev. I heard the rumors early today too, and I hope (like in the past few years) it is just rumors. John Cena and my favorite, Edge, have proven over and over they can work well and put on a great program together.

I was hoping you would blog on this one Kev, and I totally agree the thought of Hogan making an appearance at WM25 is ok with me and since WWE is insisting on calling it the 25th anniversary I suppose it would make sense, but for him to get in the ring and hobble about has me shaking my head.

There is only so far hulkamania nostalgia will go and its harder and harder to forgive Hogan for some truely awful performances, I just pity Jericho or Cena infact any wrestler that gets put in a match with him because while he will get a huge pop the match will be terrible, though likely billed after a major title match.

Personal view on how match goes...

Hogans music hits, air guitar, bell rings, lock up, big shove, pose, botched move 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 etc etc, attempted pin on Hogan, kick out, hulk up, "NOOOO" finger wag, fists of fury, BIG BOOT to the waist area (if he's lucky) DEVASTATING leg drop, 1,2,3.. More (long past his prime) posing lasting approx 10-15 mins.. Wake up and enjoy rest of show.

I understand the concept of having him there but I just hope its as a run in rather than an actual match that buries an active superstar

You would prefer to see Cena vs Edge, which has been done to death, is stale as hell and includes the same matches every time than Hogan vs Cena, which has never been done, would include the ever-so-popular 'WrestleMania Moment' that WWE and Vince love and would be something special for fans of Hulk Hogan?

Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but I cant understand how anybody could get excited about Cena vs Edge: Part 79. Who cares?

Plus you need to get over the Hogan prison calls nonsense. He could be the biggest jerk going in real life (like Shawn Michaels), it doesnt alter his in-ring image of the character he plays. You are more upset that Hogan said something negative to try and raise his sons spirits than knowing Hogan was a raging cocaine abuser in the 80's?

Priorities man...

I wasn't even on any pro wrestling websites yesterday, but watching Raw on my DVR last night, the entire Jericho angle screamed Hogan. Piper and Jericho couldn't have avoided Hogan's name any harder.

Better to see Hogan limp through a gimmick match, that see Ric Flair reneg on his retirement. With Hogan, it would make sense as leader of the has-beens, errr, legends, and it's a great tie-in for the 25th anniversary. Flair would downright infuriate anyone who invested anything emotionally into last year's retirement.

The thing is, bringing Hogan to WrestleMania would make sense if it would bring in non-wrestling fans to watch. Wrestling fans know all too well Hogan can't wrestle anymore (or ever could) so they won't care if he shows up. But he does bring a little bit of mainstream attention. All that being said, his ability to bring in that mainstream attention is long gone so having him at WrestleMania will do absolutely nothing and a businessman such as McMahon has to know that.

Hulkamania died for me at the hall of fame when the crowd chanted 'One more match' and he rubbed his fingers stating that he wants lots of money to do it. After hearing Rowdy's emotional speech on Raw the difference between a real HOF'er and the hulkster is huge. Hogan, we dont want you anymore.

I've got to disagree here. Hogan at WM25 would rule! Terry Bollea the person and Hulk Hogan the character are two different things to me and they should be for everyone. When he steps into the ring I wouldn't see the guy who encourages a screw up son, I would see the character that I grew up on and entertained me for the past 25 years. Hulkamania will never die!

PLEASE NO HOGAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember that Chant B-O-R-I-N-G!!!!!!!

I don't want to see Hogan wrestle either, but I wouldn't be against him making an appearance. Hogan is getting up there in years, and we may as well try to enjoy it if he makes a Wrestlemania cameo. Nobody is perfect, so I won't harbor a grudge against someone who made a stupid comment, even though it was REALLY stupid.

So I guess Jericho is now "The Legend Killer"

for gods sake do not bring back hogan or flair in a wrestling capacity, maybe they could incorporate the new mtv show hogan is doing with mickey rourke, but i really dont want to see old men who are no doubt legends slowly going through the moves that we have seen with 20 years

Very true...Hogan needs to stay away from the ring! If Hogan vs Jericho does happen at Mania (rather see this than Hogan/Cena), will Hogan do the job the same way he did for Angle at King of The Ring 2002?

Personally, I agree that the two championship matches are going to be Cena/Edge and HHH/Orton.

Aside from that, a Hogan return would make sense with regard to the direction that Jericho is going in now with the HOF'ers, and it could be played off that Hogan is the ultimate HOF'er and he's gonna win this one for all the old timers.

Personally, I would rather see Vince come back as a face to match up with Jericho for the same reasons as I stated above for Hogan, but that's just wishful thinking.

I think Hogan deserves to be at WM 25. If it weren't for him in large part this wouldn't be happening. I agree that he said things in conversations with Nick that weren't great. But he was trying to do what he could to make Nick feel better. That's a father loving his son. Hulk Hogan is an icon and deserves one last run in the spotlight.

If the WWE wants this longtime fan to plunk down some $$$ for WM25 (what's it cost now, $50?) there are only 2 names that will do it - Steve Austin or the Rock.

No one was a bigger Hogan fan than me, but haven't we taken this trip down memory lane a few times before? (like a half dozen)

Do you really think there is still hope for Mickey Rourke wrestling at WrestleMania? I'm pretty sure that they made it clear that he is not going to fight anyone, and that the WWE is just inviting him to see the show. I really think you should stop mentioning him, because I'm almost sure that he's not even gonning to show at WrestleMania.
(by the way, I'm not saying this in any kind of hate way, mostly just my own opinion.)

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I believe Rourke will be in attendance. As to what his role will be, we'll have to wait and see.

There is no long-term build for any match at Mania. The WWE is just now throwing together the story lines. Mania is the one event of the year where there is a long investment in story lines. They have nixed the HBK-JBL feud. No one has a clue what Jericho is doing. Cena has no opponent. Randy Orton is the only one in a developed angle. The Hardy brothers feud isn't even getting the attention it deserves. This Mania isn't shaping up very well.

As an addendum, I think that if there is anyone who can get Vince over as a face, Jericho is the guy to do it... maybe a double turn... stay with me here... Vince successfully turns face and is WAY over with the crowd, then Cena turns on Vince and becomes a heel? Hey, I can hope, can't I?

with all the legal stuff hanging over Hogan I hope it keeps him out of WWE. Personally I can't stand Hulk Hogan and never liked him at all. I don't want to see Austin/Hogan. Both demand that they have to be victorious and that alone will not let the match take place. I'd much rather see Jericho/Austin.

for once i totally disagree with you... I can only beg that Hulk appears at WM 25..It would give me a reason 2 watch. I mean Edge-Cena,,seen it.. Orton HHH,,seen it.. Sure they story lines are much better now and the performers(well 3 of those 4,,HHH is on the declne) are better now..still, its WM and Hogan. what his kid did has nothing to do with hulkamania ,,and all hulk did was take up for his kid which is what probably any father would do.Please bring back Hogan

I think your criticism of hogan's recent actions are fair. From my point of view though Hogan is doing what he thinks is best for his son and as bad taste as some of his behaviour looks to us on the outside, that has to be kept in mind.

I personally would love to see Hogan again at wrestlemania, love him or hate him, he is the godfather of wrestlemania and i have no doubt that recent troubles aside, Hogan will still get the biggest pop of the night. I don't think any other wrestler will ever make that same kind of special connection with the crowd that hogan has.
keep up the good work kevin, always an enjoyable read.

Kevin,
You might agree, that Hogan instead of Lashley or Umaga would definitely have been a MUCH bigger sell that what ultimately happen. Also, in terms of PPV sales, Hogan is STILL a much bigger draw to casual fans than Flair or just about any other "legend" of wrestling. Whether you like him or not, it doesn't matter, it's hard to deny his marketability, even at the age of 55. It makes a LOT of sense.

I love this column but I have to disagree with you. if anybody should have some sort of role at wm 25 it should be hulk hogan (not that think he should wrestle a match). If we start casting out guys for stuff they did away from the ring then that means we should watch stone cold because has domestic violence accusations in the past or we should mark out during a "rko" because of orton's past actions, hell lets not even watch wwe because vince mcmahon is vindictive career burying s.o.b

Kevin , I equate Vince McMahon to a modern day P.T. Barnum , at least when discussing Wrestlemania . That's why I wouldn't be shocked to see Hogan there. It may not be as you would say "politically correct ", but the sideshow it would create (pun intended) probably sell more tickets than not .
I know Vince has done a lot of good for the troops , disadvantaged kids , etc. , but it just seems to me that everything is calculated to advance his wallet and make him look good . Try as I might to see his "reaching out " to the likes of Bruno and Savage as a gesture of good will , I can't help but think it's only done to benefit him .
Guess I got alittle off topic there !

You keep bringing up Stone Cold wrestling, where are you hearing all this from?

I'm not saying its wrong, I just haven't heard it anywhere else but here.

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: When it was announced last year that Mania would be in Houston this year, there were rumblings right away that Austin would be inducted into the Hall of Fame and wrestle one final match. The HOF was a given. Whether he wrestles or not, we'll see. I do know that there are some people within the industry who don't think it's out of the question.

Apparently Brooke Hogan has said recently that she thinks her dad is training for WM25 but she said he doesn't talk to them about it and never tells them if he is making a comeback or not.
Personally, I hope it doesn't happen as Hulk is 55 like you say and it might be one comeback too many for him. But if he does come back please let it be against Jericho, it would be stupid to suddenly have him facing cena do you have any ideas what the story would be for that kev? i couldn't think of any and the logical move has got to be cena-edge surely? then again when is the wwe logical.

Here's how the Hogan/Jericho match plays out. CJ beats Hogan down unmercifully for the first 4 minutes. Hogan hulks up, whip to the ropes, boot to the face, legdrop, pin. Hogan poses for 20 minutes. No, wait.....is that the script for EVERY Hogan match?

It would be a terrible match with Cena also, to very bad wrestlers, though Im not criticising there entertainment value

Would also take away the specila match Hogan had with Rock, that was the passing of the torch

Cena would need to wrestle Rock not Hogan, though I dont see Rock coming back unless he has beef with Cena after his remark about not loving the business anymore

Jericho vs Hogan would not be as good as Jericho vs Austin

Hogan should play ome part in Wrestlemania 25 but only like he did when he saved Eugene (cant remember which wrestlemaina that was), Hogans days of working matches have gone

"Even if I could get past all that, I still wouldn’t be all that excited to see the 55-year-old Hogan limp around the ring and go toe-to-toe with superstars who are in their prime."

Would that be any less compelling than watcing Jericho handle Austin as if the latter had a "do not drop" sticker on him? The Austin of 1991-96 could really go, but now, with his neck the way it is, I don't think that he could greatly outperform Hogan in the ring.

I'm with you Kevin - I have no interest in seeing Hulk Hogan wrestle for all of your cited reasons.

Since it is WM25, it does make sense for him to be there and I'd be Ok with him making an appearance in some way, but I was never much of a fan of his anyway. I've been a WWE fan for 20 something years, but back in Hogan's day, I watched for the undercard, rather than Hogan's repeated superhuman routine over and over and over.......(it even bored me when I was a kid) For me it was Shawn Micheals, Mr Perfect, the IC title matches, the tag team division, Bret Hart, Bulldog, Savage, Steamboat, etc. that made the WWE exciting in those days.

I liked his match with the Rock at WM (I forget which number), mainly because it WAS a good match and he lost.

I was disgusted that he obviously refused to lose to HBK (even though he definetly should have. (I agree with Ted Dibiase Sr.'s comments about that match on Shawn's DVD)

And then there was that horrible match with Randy Orton....

I hope Austin is still uninterested in a match with Hogan. If he does agree to do it, he had better win.

If he does fight Chris Jericho, even though it is fun to Boo Jericho's current character, I hope the fans Boo Hogan out of the building. (I'm in Australia, so I'll be Booing Hogan from here!)

Hogan is a legend and I would love to see him wrestle any day. Hacksaw and Flair limped around far longer than they should have so there's no reason Hulk shouldn't be able to give it a go.

To be upset over a couple harsh words from Hulk is a bit naive. Just like every other celebrity in the world Hulk has a different world view than the rest of us. If I started to care about celebrities' personal lives I'd hate everyone out there.

Well, Cena Vs. Hogan would certainly make history: The worst worked match in the history of professional wrestling.

While I know Warrior wasn't brought back for anything surrounding the release of his DVD (for obvious reasons), is the bridge any less burned for Savage to have some sort of role in WM25?

Why not have the Undertaker confront Jericho and them two face each other at Wrestlemania? The HBK-JBL match is only to "challenge" the Undertaker..that doesn't mean he will accept.
If Hogan does face Cena, why not put Shawn Michaels against Edge, with HBK winning the title in his homestate

I have absoulutely no desire to see Hogan wrestle at this point, I have no issue with wheeling him out for a run in ( a la WM 21 with Hassan) maybe with Santino, but a Hogan v Cena match has trainwreck potential!

It's interesting that while a lot of folk wont want to see Hogan or Flair wrestle at WM25, it's for entirely different reasons! Flair because no one wants to see him tarnish the great send-off he had last year...but Hogan, because he is awful in the ring and has a bad reputation for refusing to put deserving guys over!

Still crossing my fingers for Austin jericho, if that spot goes to the 24inch pythons it will be such a let down!

Hulkamania Forever!!

If I recall correctly, Hogan and McMahon never were able to come to an agreement on the financial terms of the deal. That's why we didn't get to see Hogan wrestling.

One of these days, though, one or the other is going to cave in, and we'll see Hogan working a match at Wrestlemania.

Hogans taped conversation was disgusting but at the same time I'm willing to bet that a lot of the guys in the squared circle aren't exactly "Father of the Year" candidates. I'm hoping for a Cena/Hogan matchup because I know that Cena could carry the old man to a great match.

Please, no!!!!!!!

I am getting so sick of everyone i meet or people on the internet badmouthing Hulk Hogan. i am only going to say this once and never again hulk hogan is the greatest legend of wrestling of all time period and if he wants to be at wrestlemania 25 than so be it he can do whatever he feels like doing. By the way i am a huge hulkamaniac and i love hulk hogan he is and always will be my hero. so show some respect for Hulk Hogan brother!!!!!!!

One thing about a Cena-Hogan matchup is it would perhaps keep Cena from going to Smackdown to chase Edge. I see the HHH-Orton match going HHH's way until Rhodes and DiBiase intervene and the three of them beat down Hunter. He realizes that he needs help and teams up with Michaels and Cena to fight the Legacy. That could be a feud that lasts a year or two, shades of the Freebirds and von Erichs.

Oh, and why was Jamie Noble on Raw? He is Raw's big dog. Just ask him.

Meh, Hogan sucks. Always has. If he's there, whatever.

By the way, I doubt a Hogan/Rock/Austin vs. Cena matchup will ever happen. WWE wants to shove him down our throat as the best thing ever but he would never have the crowd over any of those guys.

Not gonna lie, I love hogan, always have and always will.. being born in augusta ga in same hospital as hulk and growing up a wrestling fan it was kinda meant to be.. i always like to see hulk in the ring and loved a couple a yrs ago at summer slam... but if im to see a "legend" wrestle jericho it better be stone cold.. he was one of the men he beat in the same night... but not gonna lie i'd love one more hulk up so hogan could show hhh how its done

If it were not for Hulk Hogan there wouldn't even be a Wrestlemania. He can draw like no other and if he wants one last go at wm25 then so be it. I know the match wouldn't be all that great but the crowd carries all of Hogans matches, and when it comes down to it, the hulkamaniacs will show up again.

nwo 4 life

Hi Kevin! I thought I'd check out your blog! With your 2 nephews getting into wrestling (thanks to their Wii game) I figured I should learn a little bit more about the "sport". What better way then to talk and/or read info. from the wrestling master, Uncle Kevin! You give great information and facts on these wrestlers that I know one day I will be on a first name basis with. Keep up the good work. We're proud of you!

Hey Hulk maybe its God's will that you go away? I grew up as a Hulkamaniac. I rooted for him when he was Hollywood Hogan, I cheered when he returned to being the Hulkster.

Then I heard his comments about John Graziano and watched him basically allow Nick to be raised as a entitled, cocky a-hole.

Maybe God should lay some heavy ^#@& where it belong?

Hmm, maybe if the business would develop new stars properly, we wouldn't have to endure endless theories about legends like Hogan coming back.

Then again, if the fans weren't hell-bent on some stupid nostalgia kick for their lost childhoods, there'd be no market for Hogan.

Because of course what wrestling needs right now is a broken-down creaky s.o.b. doing the same schtick he's been doing since the early '80s. (Then again, since this is all about The Wrestler, it might be completely apropos...)

I see Hogan showing up, but not competing. What I kinda expect is that Jericho comes out to dis the legends some more, after learning that Hogan is there. Then a group of about 5-10 legends show up, led by either Hulkster or Austin, and they all take turns hitting their finishers. Which would suck, because Jericho is damn good and deserves rivalries against other top-caliber superstars. Also, I hope it isn't Cena-Edge, but I don't know who else for the World Title. Unless Batista is set to return by then?

I wouldn't mind seeing Hogan and Big Show have a match. This way they can still do Cena vs Edge, HHH vs Orton, and Jericho vs Rourke/WWE Legend. I don't really see where Big Show fits in right now unless they are going to do a triple threat - which we saw last year for the title, so if I were them I would try to not have one again this year. Plus Hogan and Big Show are friends so they know each other well and could actually have a decent match. Maybe not a great wrestling match, but they could definitely have a good "story" in the match.

No Hogan match. Have him there but in some other capacity.

What I'd find interesting for Hulk at Wrestlemania 25 would be this possible scenario...Hogan vs Edge for the title...Hogan wins the title!...however, the winner of the "Money in the Bank Match" decides to use his shot that nite ..and Vince McMahon yells " this match is on!" (Wrestlemania 10 in reverse - Yokozuna vs Bret Hart vs Hogan) and then the winner of the "money" match goes on to pin Hogan to be the new world champion! .. with this you get the "pop" of Hogan winning the championship at Wrestlemania 25 ...then with the "Money in the Bank Match' you could have a few wildcard entries..Flair ? Stone Cold Steve Austin (beats Hogan with the Stunner!) Mickey Rourke? (in the "money match" he gets thrown out of the ropes early and stays down till there is one person left, pins Jerrico) ..all this with the condition that reality sets in on Monday Raw and they relinquish the title..

"Well, Cena Vs. Hogan would certainly make history: The worst worked match in the history of professional wrestling."

It may not look great on paper, but Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior didn't look great on paper, either, and it turned out pretty well.

True, Hogan is now nearly twenty years older.

I think Hogan manged to cause more damage to Hulkamania with those leaked conversations with his son than all the other controversies put together. In one fell swoop, he has damn near crippled Hulkamania.
I still hope he makes an appearance at WMXXV, but a relatively short one.
But please no match, as this WrestleMania is looking to be the best one yet. I mean Hardy vs Hardy, Taker vs HBK, Jericho vs a Legend, MITB ladder match, RKO vs HHH w/McMahons, and more surprises including Stone Cold!, Stone Cold!, Stone Cold!

If Hogan wrestles at Wrestlemania 25, at least it won't be for a world title. You can't say the same for Triple H, who will most likely continue fighting for a world title by the time Wrestlemania 50 rolls around. I predict he will challenge John Cena, Jr. for the TNA Championship after TNA is bought out by WWE and becomes the brand that airs on Wednesday nights on HGTV.

Kevin , from an earlier comment I see your nephews are into wrestling . A future Dory and Terry Funk in the makings ? :)

RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: One can only hope.

Have Hogan work for JBL since he is broke - semi-heel Hogan vs. Cena, Hogan loss and beatdown of JBL after the match - can lead to JBL Hogan at Backlash. Oh, did I mention both matches would be completely awful, but the JBL insulting Hogan and Cena promos would be gold.

How about a 15 man battle royal with Jericho, Rourke and 13 Legends including Hogan? The Legends all gang up on Jericho and smack him around before tossing him from the ring. Then the Legends surround Rourke before one by one shaking his hand and jumping out of the ring. Hogan, the last Legend walks up to Rourke, but instead of shaking his hand, rips off his Hulkamania shirt to reveal a Hollywood Hogan shirt and clothes lines Rourke out of the ring (into the arms of a couple of legends). Jericho has his big W-mania match, the Legends get one more walk down the aisle, Rourke gets some in-ring non-involment and Hogan gets the final moment while the crowd boos him.

we all know its goin be hbk vs. taker nd hhh vs. orton but what about cena raw really doesnt seem like they should main event wm25 they really dunt have the star power. and nobody wants 2 see hogan anyways his matches are all the same. now put austin vs. jehirco that will be great. or even make jehirco vs. the women he hit in the face....just saying

I am tired of all you people badmouthing hulk hogan and shawn michaels they are the best and they are way better than the idiot,coward,john cena the chump.they have entertained us all and i would personally love to have a rockers reunion.hey how about terry funk and tommy dreamer team for one night to face john morrison and the miz for the champions in a ECW extreme rules match that would be great.

Well, this will indeed be the best Mania ever, and I will be there as with the following RAW.. but the fact is, so far if you've been a fan for long it has a pretty predictable card and we are sure we will see Stone Cold so where is the surprise?

ROCKY ROCKY ROCKY ROCKY

Wrestlemania isn't the same without Hollywood Hogan. Hogan made wrestling in the 80s.... He made it again in the 90s... I would love to see him wrestle at the 25th anniversary of mania. It would be better than Cena Vs. Edge for the 38,717th time thats for sure.

Hulk Hogan has beat up the governor of Minnesota

I think Hogan VS Jericho would be a great idea. Jericho is dissing all the legends and there is no bigger legend than Hulk Hogan (The Character)
Plus Hogan and Jericho did have some decent matches during Hogan's comeback in '02.

I think undertaker will go 17-0 at wrestlemania or 16-1

Even though they've hinted at HOGAN having back surgery and them booking Jericho against Steamboat, Piper and Snuka for the match at WM 25, I still say HOGAN will show up after Jericho beats down all the Legends he's supposed to wrestle and lose to HOGAN.. It'd be quick and sweet and a nice way to see HOGAN back and put closure on the whole storyline.. Having Austin as his opponent wouldn't make sense cause Austin wasn't around back then with Steamboat, Snuka and Pier and HOGAN was and it would simply fit better that way..