Jim Ross has shed light on why Hulk Hogan’s brief return to WWE in 2005 came to an end, citing backstage politics as the primary reason.
Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross explained that tensions behind the scenes ultimately led to Hogan’s departure, despite his feuds with Muhammad Hassan, Khosrow Daivari, Carlito, Kurt Angle, and Shawn Michaels.
“It’s backstage politics; he got old, and enough was enough in that respect,” Ross said. “Communication was not good, and a lot of the talents felt like they were being sacrificed at Hogan’s expense. So, I don’t know; it was just an uneasy arrangement, but the way he was being booked and helping some of the talents was a good thing.”
Hogan’s third run with the company was short-lived, as some in the locker room were reportedly unhappy with how he was being presented. Despite this, Ross acknowledged that Hogan’s presence did help elevate some of the younger stars at the time.
Though Hogan’s 2005 run ended sooner than expected, he did return for one more WWE match the following year. At SummerSlam 2006, he faced Randy Orton as part of Orton’s “Legend Killer” storyline, securing a victory in what would be his final WWE match.
Which Former WCW Star Claims That Hulk Hogan Wanted To Drop The WCW World Title To Them?
Former WCW star Ernest “The Cat” Miller once claimed that Hulk Hogan wanted to drop the WCW World Championship to him and get him involved in the nWo storyline. Miller said that he and Hogan were friendly backstage, and he often approached the Hulkster for advice, and Hogan would always oblige to help the up-and-coming wrestler.
H/t to TJRWrestling.net