10 Best Moments From Hulk Hogan's 2002 WWE Return

4. Tapping Out To Kurt Angle

With Hogan now a singles competitor after breaking off from the NWO, a myriad of matches with opponents that fans had only dreamed about became possibilities. One of the earliest feuds Hulk entered into was with WWE’s only Olympic Gold Medalist: Kurt Angle.

Kurt’s natural comedic timing paired nicely with Hogan’s intensity in their backstage segments and in-ring promos. More than that, Angle brought out the best in Hogan in the ring, creating matches that even the biggest HulkaManiacs would not believe Hogan capable of at his age.

At King of the Ring 2002, Angle and Hogan went toe to toe, culminating in a finish that had never been seen before. That night, in the middle of the ring, with the Ankle Lock firmly in place, Hulk Hogan tapped out for the very first time in his 23-year career.

The notion of Hogan submitting would be ludicrous back at the height of his powers. This was the man who kicked out of all finishers, a man who went out of his way to ensure he NEVER looked weak. This evening cemented the idea that this iteration of Hulk Hogan was far removed from the egotistical and politicking Main Eventer from yesteryear, while simultaneously giving a huge career accomplishment to Kurt Angle. Nice going Brother.