By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

As of right now, it appears Hulk Hogan is leaning towards returning to TNA, according to the Wrestling Observer.

TNA reportedly offered Hogan more money than WWE, which follows WWE setting a precedent that they're not valuing TNA talent at a high rate. WWE's mentality is they can utilize the talent and part-time stars they already have and they're not willing to "over-pay" for stars not already in the fold.

Hogan, 60, traditionally goes where the best money deal is. On Friday, the Associated Press ran a story on Hogan wanting to get back in the ring for "one more match" on the "biggest stage with the biggest storyline." Obviously, the "biggest stage" would be WrestleMania.

As part of the Hogan Negotiation Games, Hogan spoke to the AP to try to stir up support through Twitter and social media, which WWE pays a lot of attention to. The goal would be for WWE to then come back with a better offer than their initial offer and a better offer than TNA.

TNA and Spike TV want to retain Hogan because of the name-value he brings to the wrestling brand. Hogan's presence produced an initial pop in business during the first-half of his TNA run, but the company has since returned to the same levels they were before Hogan signed four years ago in October 2009.

But, Hogan being part of TNA keeps all of the TV players in the game because Spike executives want big-names on their network. This is apparent on the MMA side, too, where Spike and Bellator brought in former UFC stars with name value, Tito Ortiz and Rampage Jackson, to promote Bellator's first PPV.

Therefore, TNA and Spike are willing to pay for Hogan even while TNA is trimming the budget by cutting lesser stars on the roster.

Unless WWE returns with a better offer, it appears Hogan will return to TNA, although the Observer reports that Hogan has not signed a contract at this point.

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