Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan's tribute banner was taken down from the rafters at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday, March 1.
WrestleZone reported that the red and yellow Hulkamania banner, featuring the words "Immortal" and giving tribute to his 30 years in the professional wrestling industry was previously put up between the banners of other successful New York teams, such as the New York Knicks and the New York Liberties. Hogan was honored on February 27 for his achievements in WWE.
WWE posted a video on YouTube which presented the awarding ceremony and banner-hoisting activity. A wrestling ring was set up in the middle of Madison Square Garden and adoring fans were in yellow and red to show their support. Hogan was also congratulated by friends in the business such as Ric Flair, Triple H, Nash and others. Triple H expressed how Madison Square Garden featured great champions and legacies, which is why they are also raising a banner to the former WWE heavyweight champion. Afterwards, Hogan gave his thanks to the fans and hinted that he might have one more fight left in him.
WWE confirmed to Business Insider that the banner was not intended to stay permanently in the Garden.
"The banner was a part of our show and was never intended to stay at MSG."
However, WWE's statement was contradictory to its previous tweet on March 2.
"This banner forever hangs in the rafters of @TheGarden...BROTHER! @HulkHogan #WWEMSG", WWE tweeted.
Yahoo! Sports reported that although the commemorative event may actually be real and heartfelt to thank Hogan for his contributions to the industry, but the banner-raising part turned out to be the same as many other things in the WWE - scripted.
A lot of WWE fans were actually dismayed and infuriated after discovering that Hogan's banner was removed from the grand venue. Many resorted to social media to vent out their frustration, demanding that his banner be put back up on the rafters.
Hogan did not comment about his commemorative banner being taken down so he may have known the plan all along that the setup was only temporary.
WrestlingInc reported that Hulk will also be at the Hall of Fame induction the night before WrestleMania 31, although he will still find out more about his role at the big event in the following weeks.