10 Things WWE Regrets About Backlash

8. Strapping Hulk Hogan In 2002

John Cena Backlash
WWE.com

Vince McMahon, bless him, got very giddy immediately after WrestleMania X8 and the deafening euphoria surrounding Hulk Hogan's impromptu babyface turn.

With his perspective coloured by VHS crackle and the vast sums of money he raked in at the time, Vince went back to the '80s and immediately strapped the Hulkster at the next pay-per-view: Backlash. The storyline that led him there wasn't particularly compelling - most all-face programmes aren't - and the rushed nature of it detracted from the theoretical magic moment of Hogan's one, last sentimental title reign. There wasn't much doubt, nor drama, nor real tension. Hogan and newly-minted Undisputed Champion Triple H - who did the professional thing here, and didn't call Hogan an awld c*nt or anything - did the bog-standard miscommunication game before delivering the sudden and desperate title switch.

It didn't draw; it was up on the prior year's number, but only incrementally. The wave of nostalgia at WrestleMania behaved as waves do, and once it subsided, fans were left with Hogan as Hogan - not some grizzled, weakened version on the comeback trail.

He didn't so much come back as teleport forward, and it failed to truly convince.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!