WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event is set to return on January 25, 2025, just a week before the Royal Rumble. This 38th edition follows the 37th instalment in December 2024, which marked the second revival of the iconic show after its hiatus since 2008. The previous event paid tribute to its 1980s origins, featuring red, white, and blue ring ropes, throwback branding, and the nostalgic “Obsession” theme. It also delivered strong ratings, attracting 2.3 million viewers across NBC and Peacock. With anticipation building for another nostalgia-filled spectacle, one question looms large:
What Role Will Hulk Hogan Play at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event?
Hulk Hogan’s name is practically synonymous with WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. He headlined the very first special in 1985 and remained a staple of the show throughout its early years, even main-eventing eight consecutive editions. While he wasn’t physically present at the last event, a vignette promoting the Royal Rumble kept his legacy alive. Given the show’s focus on celebrating legends, it’s hard to imagine Hogan not appearing. But recent controversies make this less straightforward.
Hogan’s most recent appearance on WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event television, during Raw’s debut on Netflix, was far from warmly received. The crowd’s boos were loud and clear, largely due to his recent involvement in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and his past racist comments, for which he has never apologized. To add fuel to the fire, CM Punk made a bold statement on this week’s Raw, stating that if Hogan entered the Royal Rumble, he would “kill Hulkamania.”
Jesse Ventura is also expected at the event, adding an intriguing tension layer. Ventura and Hogan have a rocky history from the 1980s when Hulk Hogan reportedly undermined Ventura’s attempt to unionize wrestlers. While Ventura claims he doesn’t harbour hatred for Hogan, their past could resurface in subtle or not-so-subtle ways if both are present at the show.
Despite the controversies, WWE has a knack for turning heat into compelling storylines. With Hogan’s Real American Beer featured prominently as a sponsor, the company might see this as an opportunity to reintroduce him as a polarizing on-screen character. WWE has a history of turning heat into compelling storylines, as seen with The Rock’s Hollywood persona and his recent “final boss” character. With Hulk Hogan already tied to WWE through his Real American Beer sponsorship, could the company use him as an on-screen villain? Leaning into the controversy could reignite fan interest and create a memorable moment for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event while giving Hogan the on-screen presence he’s expressed interest in, as he’s made it clear that he wants to be more involved.
In my opinion, Hogan will likely make an appearance. He has appeared more this year than he has in the last two or three years, and if WWE truly wanted to distance themselves from him, they could have done so long ago. His presence seems almost inevitable, given his history with the company and the nostalgia surrounding WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The question remains: Will Hulk Hogan make a live appearance, or will WWE limit his involvement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
