Hogan vs. Austin at Wrestlemania 24?

Many people might think that wrestling is all about “guys making their huge return,” but in reality the past year in pro wrestling has been most unusual, and the number of returning stars is quite unique, as well.

But speculation is running wild these days about Hulk Hogan and what his plans are. Vince McMahon reportedly approached Hogan to appear this Monday night for the 15th anniversary show. Hogan had a squabble with McMahon in the summer of 2006 following Summerslam. Hogan defeated Randy Orton at that pay-per-view.

The original plans were for Hogan to be Donald Trump’s representative at last year’s Wrestlemania against Vince McMahon’s rep, Umaga, in the battle of the billionaires. Instead it was Bobby Lashley as Trump's rep following the Hogan-McMahon flareup. The Hulkster was none too thrilled either when the W.W.E. started having blond bombshell Jillian Hall come out and do some intentionally horrible singing before matches, apparently as a knock on Hogan’s daughter, Brooke.

Why is this all important? Well, Hogan has lobbied the last two years for a match against “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, to which Austin has refused.

Why? Well, Austin recently stated that it would have to be “the biggest payday in his career” for him to fight Hogan. He also said in that same interview that he could wrestle another two hard years if he wanted to, but he doesn’t want to be in a wheelchair when he is in his 50s. So let’s tie this whole thing up and put a nice lookin’ bow on it.

How about Hogan-Austin at Wrestlemania 24 in Orlando, Florida, with 100,000 people in attendance? Big payday for Mr. Austin? Roger that. Are we looking for two years from Austin? Nope, just one match.

I’ve read that Vince McMahon will ask Austin and Hogan to do it; Hogan’s wife is looking for half of his assets so we know at least a part of the motivation behind him wanting to get in the ring.

Will Austin participate in a matchup of wrestling icons? I’ve got no idea either way, so I guess time will indeed have to tell.