By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Hulk Hogan says he's trying "to figure out" his wrestling future after having two recent back surgeries. He says he won't be able to perform the leg drop again, but he would like to get back in the ring if his body lets him.

"I've had two back surgeries in the last five months. Just the middle of my waistline up and halfway down my back, it's so stiff that I just can't seem to get flexible," Hogan told Jessi Virtusio of the SouthtownStar (Ill.). "I'm trying to work through it. I'm 55 years old. With the knee replacements and hip replacements, I'm trying to not joke or fool myself. I'm trying to get a logical assessment."

If he were to wrestle again, Hogan says he would like to face retired wrestler Ric Flair, non-wrestler & WWE chairman Vince McMahon, or retired wrestler Steve Austin. Hogan criticized Austin for not doing a match when they had a chance.

"Stone Cold's bragger's claim to fame is: 'I never wrestled Hulk Hogan.' I think he thinks he's God's gift to wrestling," Hogan said. "It would be a tremendous match for the fans. If he can get on the same page with me and put ego out of the way, who cares who wins? It would be a match people would love to see."

Hogan will be in Chicago on Friday at a major wrestling event at the MLS soccer stadium, Toyota Park. Hogan will be signing autographs for $99 along with the usual crew of Jimmy Hart, Brutus Beefcake, and the Nasty Boys before a wrestling card presented by Windy City Wrestling.

The pre-show meet & greet with Hogan is part of "Hulk Hogan Appreciation Day." Hogan says criticism for the steep autograph price is a matter of perspective. He also took a shot at UFC 100 this weekend.

"It's all relative. I guess you could pay huge amounts to watch an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight, and it can end in 30 seconds," Hogan said. "I'm just going to try and get back to the fans, and this was up to ... Toyota Park to set the prices. If it's too inconvenient for fans, I'm sure there's going to be another time in the near future to see them. I really hope to see many people, and afterwards enjoy the matches."

Link: Hogan interview in the SouthtownStar.

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