10 Biggest WWE Missed Opportunities In SummerSlam History

2. Hulk Hogan Beats Shawn Michaels In 2005

This match still ranks as one of the most infamous in WWE history and it's one that did not have to happen. The fact is that for many WWE fans, Shawn Michaels had no business losing to Hulk Hogan at SummerSlam in 2005. It was a loss that could have been prevented if only Hogan had truly wanted to do business and do it the right way. The Heartbreak Kid had all the momentum going into this match. Michaels had spent several weeks mocking Hogan, making fun of him and insulting him as only he could. HBK pulled out his DX bag of tricks and used everything he had to not only embarrass Hogan but to convince fans that their beloved Hulkster was nothing more than a sham. Shawn had incredible heat against Hogan and by all rights should have won this match. However, that did not happen and he spent the majority of the bout overselling Hogan's moves to the point that it was absolutely comical. Michaels looked more like a cartoon character than a pro wrestler and fans soon began to realize that his actions served a purpose. This was HBK's way of protesting the loss, of showing that despite the fact that he was willing to lay down for Hogan that he was not willing to do it without letting fans know how he truly felt about it. Hogan would not lose to Shawn at SummerSlam and later refused to work a second match with him. Michaels basically did the best he could with what he had and obviously enjoyed himself while doing it. WWE missed a prime opportunity with this match. Hogan should have played ball and done the job at SummerSlam. HBK was not a rookie, not a fresh face that Hogan would've had to carry through the match. And there is no reason why Michaels should have been treated that way. Hulk could have dropped the first one and then won the second; he would have come out on top and Shawn's character would have to eat crow for all the bashing he did against Hogan in this rivalry.