It's been just under three years since WWE legend Hulk Hogan last stepped into the ring before his bosses swiftly terminated his contract over alleged racist comments in a leaked video.
The relationship between the WWE and the Hall of Famer appeared over for good but recent talks between the two could be signs of a thawing.
According to PWInsider.com, the WWE and the Hulk have had talks, although it seems from the comments made by the WWE rep that these talks have not been about the wrestler stepping back into the ring.
"We have had discussions with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan) about how he can help others learn from his mistakes, however, he is not under any contract with WWE," the rep said.
Things got messy for Hulk Hogan, the hero of generations of Americans, when a video was leaked in which he appeared to make insensitive comments about his daughter Brooke's then-boyfriend, who was African American. Another leaked video appeared to show him engaging in sexual acts with his friend's wife.
He launched an invasion of privacy lawsuit against Gawker when the site refused his requests to remove the sex tape and after a lengthy and very public court battle, the two sides reached a $31m settlement.
Even though he emerged the winner from the court battle, his days with WWE were effectively over and since then, Hogan has been more or less blacklisted.
It's unclear whether Hogan, 64, would even be interested in stepping into the WWE ring ever again if that door were ever to open again for him.
And he has hasn't addressed reports about the talks with the WWE to "help others learn from his mistakes."
It's possible that he could make an appearance at the Greatest Royal Rumble set to take place in Saudi Arabia but the WWE may not be ready to stick it's neck out for the star and face a probable backlash similar to the one it just experienced over The Fabulous Moolah being honored at the women's battle royal.
According to PWInsider, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry said he believed the WWE would open its doors to Hogan again if he apologized to African-American members of the WWE.
For now, we can only continue to wonder and speculate until either the WWE or Hogan decide to comment, if they ever do.
