10 Real-Life WWE Feuds That Were Too Hot For TV

3. Stone Cold Steve Austin Vs. Hulk Hogan

Chris Jericho Brock Lesnar
WWE.com

One of the all-time great WrestleMania Moments, X8's Icon vs. Icon, was originally intended to feature Hulk Hogan vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, before Austin shot the match down. Reportedly, Austin's primary concern centered around Hogan's political savvy, fearing that the 'Hulkster' might turn the match into the "Hulk Hogan Show". To Austin's credit, that's exactly what happened. Whether or not a potential finish was even discussed is unclear, but WrestleMania's co-main-event quickly changed to Hogan vs. The Rock.

In addition to Austin's apprehension, Steve had a history with Hogan, even if it wasn't captured onscreen. Back in the mid-90s, Austin was a rising star in WCW, but was released not long after Hogan joined the company with creative control. Austin then cut controversial anti-Hogan promos in ECW and, like his past involving Double J, never forgot how his fortune turned after Hogan joined WCW.

Is it any coincidence then that after the 'Hulkster's successful 2002 WWF return, which included WrestleMania's co-main, a babyface run as WWF Undisputed Champion, and arguably the top spot in the company, Austin quit?

While Austin/Hogan may not have been the hottest backstage rivalry to ever exist, it could've produced the hottest match to ever exist had the two been able to work together.

Contributor
Contributor

A former stuntman for Paramount Pictures, Matt enjoys sports, water skiing, driving fast, the beach, professional wrestling, technology, and scotch. At the same time, whenever possible. Having attended many famous (and infamous) shows including WrestleMania XV, In Your House: Mind Games, and the 1995 King of the Ring, Matt has been a lifelong professional sports and wrestling fan. Matt's been mentioned in numerous wrestling podcasts including the Steve Austin Show: Unleashed, Talk Is Jericho, and Something To Wrestle With Bruce Prichard. As a former countywide performer, Matt has been referred to as Mr. 300 for his amazing accomplishments in the world of amateur bowling. He is also the only man on record to have pitched back-to-back no hitters in the Veterans Stadium Wiffle Ball League of 2003.