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Hulk Hogan came close to stepping into the WWE ring for one last epic showdown against another iconic superstar, John Cena who left an indelible mark on a generation. This according to The Hukkster himself. Hulk Hogan is a wrestling legend and two-time WWE Hall of Famer. He recently sat down for a candid conversation at Hogan’s Hangout. Hogan’s last WWE match, a victory in 2006, had left fans eager for more. With Hogan, Cena, and Vince McMahon all on board, it seemed like the dream match was a lock. 

During this discussion, Hogan opened up about various aspects of his wrestling career. He talks about a missed opportunity to face John Cena at WrestleMania 25. However, wrestling enthusiasts couldn’t help but wonder: What caused this epic showdown to fall apart?

Fading plans for a Hulk Hogan vs. John Cena showdown

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Before his stint with TNA Wrestling in 2009, Hogan was on the brink of making a grand return to WWE for a blockbuster match against John Cena at WrestleMania 25 in the same year. This news comes as a revelation to wrestling fans. Hogan hadn’t stepped into a WWE ring since his victory over Randy Orton at SummerSlam in 2006. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Hogan disclosed that the match against Cena was practically a done deal.

via Imago

The two wrestling icons were all set for a showdown. It promised to be one for the ages. He said, “ I said I’d do it and Vince and I were talking every week and we were putting the plans together.” Hogan shared insights into the planning process, describing how he and WWE chairman Vince McMahon were actively working on the match details.

However, a sudden back injury shattered Hogan’s dreams of making a WrestleMania return while he was on a phone call with McMahon. He recounted the moment when his back gave out while discussing the match with McMahon. Further leading to an immediate need for surgery. It marked the third or fourth back surgery for Hogan at that time, forcing him to withdraw from the much-anticipated bout. He added, “My back went out” when I was talking to Vince on the phone. I had to go right in immediately and get cut on.”

As a result of Hogan’s unfortunate injury, plans for the Hogan vs. Cena clash gradually dissolved into limbo. It did leave wrestling fans to wonder what could have been. In the end, Hogan ended it with, “I thought that was going to be my last match then you know. But that never happened and then it just kind of like faded away.”

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In Hogan’s absence, John Cena went on to face Big Show and Edge at WrestleMania 25. He then went on to ultimately capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the marquee event.

Hogan went on to reveal his top Mount Rushmore wrestlers as the interview progressed.  

Hulk Hogan’s wrestling Mount Rushmore and a tribute to legends

Hulk Hogan, an iconic figure in the wrestling world, recently shared his personal “Mount Rushmore” of pro wrestling legends during the interview with Chris Van Vliet. Hogan began with two undeniable choices, naming André the Giant and Ric Flair as the first two to be etched in the hypothetical wrestling monument. 

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He praised Flair’s unparalleled dedication and lifelong commitment to the business, acknowledging him as the greatest wrestler ever. 

As Hogan contemplated the final two spots on his wrestling Mount Rushmore, he turned his attention to the pioneers of the industry. He emphasized his admiration for the newer generation, mentioning wrestlers like Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens

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However, ultimately, Hogan’s “quick fix” Mount Rushmore consisted of André the Giant, Ric Flair, The Rock, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, recognizing their immense contributions to shaping and elevating the world of professional wrestling.

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