10 Greatest Performers In WrestleMania History

Hogan’s WrestleMania record is tainted by the fact that a lot of his major matches really aren’t very good. The triptych of WrestleManias VII-IX saw Terry stink the place out in ill-advised matches with Iraqi sympathiser Sergeant Slaughter, Sid Justice (and the tardy Papa Shango), and Yokozuna, who Hogan squashed in 30 seconds to make Bret Hart look bad.

All the same, in many ways WrestleMania is the house that Hogan built, and that can’t be forgotten. He headlines the first three, teaming with Mr T in the first (in a match that’s actually really good), and bodyslamming Andre The Giant in the third; the match is no great shakes, but that slam could be THE iconic image of professional wrestling.

Hogan also enjoyed a remarkable second act, returning at WrestleManias X8 and XIX to take on The Rock and Vince McMahon. The former might just feature the most important crowd in WrestleMania history - they conduct the match, turning Rock heel for the evening. And the latter is lowkey Vince’s greatest in-ring encounter.

If Hogan is more important to WrestleMania as an idea than an active wrestler, well, that’s Hulk Hogan for you. He’s not always putting on the best matches, but odds are we wouldn’t still be watching this product without him.