Hulk Hogan Pulls Out of WWE Event, Jesse Ventura Still Set to Appear

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Hulk Hogan will not appear at WWE‘s Saturday Night's Main Event this weekend, dashing hopes of a long-awaited face-off with Jesse Ventura. The event, scheduled for Jan. 25 at the Frost Bank Center, will air live on NBC and Peacock.

Dr. Chris Featherstone of Sportskeeda first reported Hogan’s absence, citing family commitments as the reason. “I’ve been informed that Hulk Hogan will not be appearing on #SNME due to family commitments,” Featherstone said. WWE sources confirmed the report, emphasizing that Hogan’s withdrawal was unrelated to recent fan reactions or his storied rivalry with Ventura.

Ventura, a former WWE commentator and wrestler, confirmed his participation in the event via a post on X. “So very excited for Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend in San Antonio. The Body returns to Texas this Saturday Night!” he wrote. Ventura had been advertised for all WWE shows in 2025, according to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer.

The potential Hogan-Ventura showdown had been a major talking point among wrestling fans. The two were once friends, but their relationship soured in the 1980s when Hogan informed WWE owner Vince McMahon about Ventura’s attempt to unionize professional wrestling. Ventura later sued McMahon for unpaid royalties, and Hogan’s role in the dispute became public during a deposition.

“With no hesitation, Vince went, ‘Hulk Hogan told me,'” Ventura recalled in a 2015 interview. “I almost tipped over in the chair because he was my friend.” The last time the two worked together was in 1994, when Hogan joined WCW. Ventura’s attitude reportedly changed after Hogan’s arrival, leading to his eventual departure from the company.

Meanwhile, CM Punk, another WWE star, has been vocal about his readiness to dominate the Royal Rumble. “You put Hulk Hogan in the Royal Rumble, I’ll throw his dusty ass over the top rope, and I’ll kill Hulkamania once and for all,” Punk said during a recent episode of Raw. While Hogan’s participation in the Rumble remains unlikely, Punk’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing drama.

Saturday Night’s Main Event marks WWE’s return to NBC after a long hiatus. The show will feature a mix of current stars and legends, with Ventura’s appearance being a major draw. Fans will be watching closely to see how the crowd reacts to Ventura, whose villainous persona in the 1980s contrasts with Hogan’s once-beloved “Hulkamania” image.

Hogan’s recent appearances have been met with mixed reactions, including boos during Raw’s Netflix debut. Whether Ventura’s return will reignite old rivalries or pave the way for new storylines remains to be seen.