WWE Raw 25 Opening Video Features Hulk Hogan, But Don't Expect Him To Appear

WWE has released the opening video package from the 25th anniversary episode of Raw and it's jam-packed with faces from the past and present. One particular face stands out as it's somebody the company has gone out of their way to distance itself from in recent years.

Roughly halfway through the video, Hulk Hogan is shown as a member of the New World Order on an episode of Raw. While to some it may seem like a no-brainer to include Hogan, WWE practically scrubbed the legendary wrestler from their history in 2015, after audio of him making racist remarks was released.

What's more, it can be argued that Hogan was never a major piece of the WWE Raw puzzle. During the show's rise, Hogan wrestled for WCW and was the centerpiece of its competing show, WCW Nitro. When Hogan did return to the WWE, it was as a member of the NWO that was not well-received, outside of Hogan's match at WrestleMania 18 with The Rock.

Does Hogan's inclusion mean he's going to appear on the 25th anniversary episode? Already the company has an impressive lineup of guests announced--including "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Undertaker, John Cena, Trish Stratus, Scott Hall, and Chris Jericho--but perhaps Hogan could be a special surprise for those in attendance.

Don't count on it, though. Hogan himself has tweeted that he will be watching Raw from home. Given the nature of professional wrestling, that might be hard to believe. However, WWE remains committed to its choice to not feature Hogan on their programming. In a statement to the Associated Press, the company says, "At this time, WWE remains committed to its decision." That could certainly change in the future. For now, you probably shouldn't get your hopes up about Hogan returning to WWE.

That doesn't mean you should avoid Raw 25, though. With a huge roster of guests, the show being broadcast from two different venues, and The Miz challenging Roman Reigns for the Intercontinental Championship, this might be a Raw for the ages.