UPDATED: WWE Reinstates Hulk Hogan Into Hall of Fame, Backstage at Extreme Rules and His Apology to the WWE Locker Room

UPDATE: PWInsider reports reinstated WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan is backstage at Extreme Rules. Additionally, Hogan is said to have made a formal apology to the WWE locker room for his comments that were leaked in 2015.

Sources present backstage said that Hogan apologized for embarrassing himself and WWE. He also told wrestlers to be careful about what they say as they could be recorded without their knowledge. The report states that Hogan received a strong reaction afterwards, and a number of wrestlers started shaking his hand and hugging him. Hogan was reportedly very emotional during the meeting.

Hogan reportedly met with WWE officials before meeting with the locker room. It was reported that “the feeling backstage is he’s back on board with the company.” The report indicated that Hogan could be at the TV tapings later this week, but that is not set in stone.

Also, PWInsider reports that WWE confirmed that the company has not, as of now, signed Hulk Hogan to any type of new contract or deal. While Hogan is officially reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame, he’s not under contract to the company. WWE appears to be taking baby steps with this situation. In direct conflict to PWInsider’s report, the WrestleVotes Twitter account writes, “Per source, Hulk Hogan & WWE have agreed to terms on a contract allowing him to return. He is in Pittsburgh, home of tonight’s PPV. I cannot confirm whether he will make an appearance in some form at Extreme Rules. Time will tell.”

Hogan also issued the following statement on Twitter on the news.

Just met with the @WWE Superstars and on all levels the volume of love and support was overwhelming. I’ve been praying for this day and I finally feel like I made it back home. Only Love 4 the #WWEUNIVERSE brother HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 15, 2018

ORIGINAL: WWE has officially announced today that former Superstar Hulk Hogan has been reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. This follows what WWE calls a “three-year suspension.” You can see WWE’s official announcement and tweet below.

Hogan was previously removed from the Hall of Fame due to remarks from a racist rant he made were leaked online. As a result, WWE severed ties with Hogan at the time and terminated his contract. The company removed all references of Hogan from the WWE website, including his profile in the Hall of Fame section. The WWE never called it a “suspension.”

It was reported yesterday that Hogan and longtime friend and manager Jimmy Hart were seen flying into Cleveland, Ohio, which is a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the host city for tonight’s Extreme Rules event. Now, the announcement of Hogan’s reinstatement comes just hours before the event is slated to start on the WWE Network later today.

STAMFORD, Conn. — After a three-year suspension, Hulk Hogan has been reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. This second chance follows Hogan’s numerous public apologies and volunteering to work with young people, where he is helping them learn from his mistake. These efforts led to a recent induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame.

BREAKING: After a three-year suspension, @HulkHogan has been reinstated into the @WWE Hall of Fame. https://t.co/SxwUms9Yet

— WWE (@WWE) July 15, 2018