Hulk Hogan Reveals Scrapped Plans For WrestleMania Match Against John Cena
Hulk Hogan nearly had one more match in WWE against another Superstar who defined a generation.
Hogan’s final televised match in a WWE ring took place in 2006, defeating Randy Orton in the main event of SummerSlam. Fast forward 3 years and The Hulkster was scheduled to run wild one final time against WWE Champion John Cena at WrestleMania 25 with the title on the line. Hogan, Cena and Vince McMahon all agreed to it and the dream match looked to be confirmed. So why did it not take place?
While speaking with Chris Van Vliet, Hogan revealed that he had undergone back surgery in the leadup to WrestleMania and complications arose. The Hall of Famer also confirmed that this would have been his last match.
“Vince had me all hooked up with Cena and I said I’d do it. And 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 went out when I was talking to Vince on the phone.
I just had back surgery number three or four at that time, and I had to go right in immediately and get cut up. So that was it for that but I thought that was going to be my last match and then you know, but that never happened and then it just kind of like faded away.”
At WrestleMania 25, John Cena beat The Big Show and Edge to become the new WWE Champion. Shortly after this, Hogan would appear in TNA and have his final-ever match at a non-televised event in London in 2012.
Hulk Hogan Names His Professional Wrestling Mount Rushmore
The Immortal One has been named as an inspiration for many stars in the wrestling business, with the former World Champion frequently appearing on wrestler’s Mount Rushmores. During the same interview, Hogan was asked which 4 wrestlers he would give that honour to.
If you use any quotes from this article please credit Chris Van Vliet and leave a h/t to TJR Wrestling.