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.

Here's what Nick had to say minutes ago -- "You never know, man. It's in the blood. So, you never know."

Nick went on to say he's "always loved the business" ... and being around that environment

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