10 Times WWE Missed Opportunities To Create Lasting Main Event Superstars

9. Earthquake Vs. Hulk Hogan (SummerSlam '90)

At SummerSlam '90, WWE had an opportunity to present Earthquake as a marquee superstar for years to come and not just another heel for Hogan to dispose of, but wasted it with a kiss-your-sister finish and even weaker follow-up.

In 1990, Quake became famous for putting The Immortal Hulk Hogan's career in jeopardy thanks to multiple Earthquake splashes on the Brother Love Show. At SummerSlam, they met as part of a double main-event.

Earthquake's superstardom was there for the taking. The story ready-made, and he was an agile behemoth - more Yokozuna than monster of the week.

Hogan, at less than 100%, losing after another Earthquake splash wouldn't have hurt him at all, but would've done wonders for his opponent. SummerSlam's commentary even teased Hogan had returned too soon. A loss here could've made Hogan's eventual WrestleMania VII redemption story that much more meaningful. Instead, Hogan lost - but it was via countout, doing no one any favors.

The feud was never properly paid off with a televised one-on-one rematch, and in a matter of months, Earthquake went from co-main-eventing SummerSlam against Hulk Hogan to wrestling Greg Valentine at the bottom of WrestleMania VII.