Legendary Hulk Hogan has returned to mainstream WWE, paying tribute to long-time friend and colleague 'Mean' Gene Okerlund.
The former wrestling interviewer died last week, after suffering complications from a fall at his home in December.
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Since revelations Hogan made racist comments on a 2015 sex tape, the 'Hulkster' has made just one WWE appearance - in Saudi Arabia last year.
But the 65-year-old former world champion was welcomed back by WWE fans on Monday Night Raw with the familiar 'Hogan-Hogan' chants.
Wearing his traditional red-and-yellow colours, Hogan also sported a take on his catchphrase, with a slogan reading 'Mean Gene-O-Mania'.
After a superb tribute video played to the audience, Hogan - real name Terry Bollea - cut one of his traditional promos, reminiscent of many he conducted in Okerlund's presence.
"You know something, guys, I came out here wide open tonight in character, because that's exactly the way Mean Gene would have wanted it," said Hogan.
"I want to let all you guys know, Mean Gene loved entertaining and he loved entertaining everybody here in the WWE universe. Mean Gene loved entertaining more than anything that he did.”
"You know, guys, I got to tell you, being out here in the ring without Mean Gene... he’s not here but he's right here," Hogan said, pointing to his heart.
"He's right here, man. I love you, Mean Gene, I miss you."
The crowd began to chant, "Thank you, Mean Gene". Hogan paused and then paid tribute to other fallen comrades.
"Gene is no doubt in heaven, orchestrating a tag match with 'Macho Man' Randy Savage and Ultimate Warrior taking on 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and Mr Perfect... with Andre the Giant as the guest ref."
Hogan closed out with a trademark Hoganism: "Whatcha gonna do when Mean Gene-O-Mania runs wild on you, brother?"
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