Could Nick Hogan follow in his dad Hulk‘s massive wrestling footsteps?? He isn’t shutting it down … telling TMZ Sports he wants to stay tight-lipped for now — but hinted “it’s in the blood.”

We caught up with the 35-year-old out at LAX on Thursday … just two days after he shared a selfie from a workout with NWA star Bryan Idol — with a ring directly in the background.

Naturally, the post got wrestling fans talking … and kickstarted speculation Nick could wind up in the same industry that made his father a household name and one of the greatest to ever lace up the boots.

Nick went on to say he’s “always loved the business” … and being around that environment makes him feel that much closer to his pops.

Nick said the wrestling community truly is a family … so being in contact with wrestlers and execs in the industry is nothing new.

As for how he’s feeling physically … he explained he’s in good shape — but stopped short of saying why exactly he’s focused on his fitness.

There’s more — Nick weighed in on whether Hulk could get a Hollywood flick tribute … and who he’d like to see play his dad on the silver screen.