WWE Rumor: Hulk Hogan Claims He Won't Be At Wrestlemania 34

One of the big stories going into Wrestlemania 34 isn't news, but rather rumors. There have been reports that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan was negotiating a return to the wrestling organization that fired him in 2015 after a sex tape was leaked that contained the legendary grappler making racist remarks.

While WWE has confirmed that it's had discussions with Hogan "about how he can help others learn from his mistakes," are there chances that the two sides will come to some sort of agreement that will see him return at Wrestlemania? The answer to that question seems to be no.

Though Hogan appeared at the premiere of HBO's upcoming Andre the Giant documentary and was photographed on the red carpet with WWE wrestler and executive Triple H, the company is maintaining its stance. In a statement to PWInsider, WWE says, "Hulk Hogan is an important part of Andre the Giant's history, however, his appearance at tonight's HBO premiere of the documentary and his plans to help others learn from his mistakes does not mean WWE is rehiring him. Hogan is not scheduled to be at any upcoming WWE events."

Of course, that didn't stop WWE's social media team from posting a photo of Hogan at the premiere with Big Show. Still, when approached by TMZ, Hogan maintained he'd be skipping Wrestlemania. "No sir," he told the site, while Jimmy Hart--who evidently still plays the role of Hogan's wrestling manager, sans bullhorn--made it clear Hogan was there at HBO's request.

Yet, when asked if he would make a comeback eventually, Hogan offered a simple, "Maybe someday, brother." As for when that could happen, it's anybody's guess. However, with Shane McMahon on an "indefinite leave of absence" as Smackdown Live commissioner and Daniel Bryan transitioning back into an active competitor role, the Tuesday night show will be in need of an on-camera authority figure.

Of course, that's if there's even a place for Hogan in 2018 WWE. At age 64, it's highly unlikely that he could ever wrestle again due to injuries and surgeries he's gone through over the years. What's more, WWE very publicly fired Hogan after the tape. Going back on that may not be something it's willing to do. Then again, helping him figure out "how he can help others learn from his mistakes" could also be the first step in bringing him back into the fold.

Whatever the case, don't get your hopes up about Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 34. That shouldn't matter, though, as the card for the show is already stacked. Wrestlemania airs April airs live April 8 on the WWE Network.