10 Failed Heel Turns Of Popular Wrestlers
3. Hulk Hogan - WWF (2002)
Hogan's homecoming to the company he helped build was a momentous occasion for the wrestling industry. After years opposing McMahon in WCW, the sight of Hogan in a WWF ring was proof that anything can happen in wrestling.
'The Hulkster' was reintroduced to the WWF audience at No Way Out 2002. Flanked by Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, Hogan was brought back under his 'Hollywood' persona, adorned in the black and white of the New World Order. The rebellious trio were immediately positioned as invading heels and presented as opposition for perennial babyfaces, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin and The Rock.
While, on paper, the WCW vs. WWF scenario of the nWo taking on the biggest stars of the Attitude Era seemed like the perfect match, in reality, fans were genuinely pleased to see the exiled WWF alumni. It had been several years since Hall, Nash or Hogan had stepped foot in a WWF arena and the nostalgia factor was inescapable.
The subsequent stand-off between Hogan and The Rock on the Raw was beyond electric and a clear indication that fans were torn over who to cheer. Those fears were realised at 'Mania itself when the emphatically pro-Hogan crowd turned on The Rock and forced the WWF to make it official.
One month later, Hogan was wearing red and yellow and once again holding the WWF Championship.