WWE Adds Hulk Hogan Merchandise, NJPW Interested in WWE Stars

WWE’s Crown Jewel event was already controversial since the company decided against cancelling the Saudi Arabia show despite fans calling on the company to do so following the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The show has received even more attention lately as WWE confirmed earlier this week that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan will be appearing on the show to serve as the host for the event. Some fans have similarly voiced their displeasure in WWE’s decision to bring back “The Hulkster,” but the choice was likely made due to the Saudi Royal Family’s preference for classic WWE competitors. Regardless, it appears now that the former world champion is truly back in business with WWE after spending several years away. 
Yesterday, fans discovered that WWE has added a Hulk Hogan section to their official online shop. As of right now, buyers can purchase the classic Hulkamania shirt in either red or yellow. Adding a section of merchandise would usually imply that some sort of deal has been made between Hogan and WWE recently. Hulk Hogan has remained away from the company altogether ever since he was released back in 2015 when racist comments that he had made were discovered on his leaked sex tape. WWE invited Hogan backstage to apologize to current WWE roster members earlier this year, and he was later reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. Selling merchandise, and today’s Crown Jewel appearance, seems to signify that Hulk Hogan has returned.
Although reports claiming that WWE is looking to bring in members of the New Japan Pro Wrestling roster have become common, could NJPW be interested in signing some of WWE’s own talent. The Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer says that NJPW has been offering contracts to current WWE Superstars which include significantly more money and fewer working dates. This allegedly even includes some of the top competitors in WWE right now. Meltzer did not name anybody specifically who has received an offer, but previous rumors have stated that NJPW is hoping to bring Shinsuke Nakamura, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson back to Japan as soon as their current WWE deals expire and they become free agents.