Hulk Hogan Returns To WWE Raw To Celebrate Gene Okerlund's Life

Hogan will make first Raw appearance since WWE comeback this Monday.

by Benjamin Richardson
WWE Hogan Okerlund
WWE

Following the sad news of 'Mean' Gene Okerlund's death this past week, WWE have announced that the legendary announcer's close friend and regular guest on the mic Hulk Hogan will return to Monday Night Raw this week to honour the passing of his friend.

Hogan took to Twitter on Tuesday night to eulogise Okerlund, describing his long-term pal as "the best partner I ever had". The pair were in regular cahoots on WWE programming during the '80s, having both arrived from Verne Gagne's AWA together. The culmination of their friendship came when Okerlund stepped into the ring himself as Hogan's partner opposite George 'The Animal' Steele and his manager Mr. Fuji in 1984.

When Hogan jumped to WCW in 1994, he rekindled his on-screen partnership with the veteran interviewer. It somehow felt right.

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Hogan's Raw tribute will mark the first time he has made a WWE appearance since his personal indiscretions were hastily forgiven for Saudi Arabia's Crown Jewel event back in November. Although it's difficult to argue that the Hulkster's appearance is entirely appropriate for the occasion, cynics will again note that WWE have leveraged the situation to usher Hogan back onto screens during circumstances which won't draw complaint.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.