10 Times WWE Heroes Failed

2. Hogan's Reign Goes Up In Flames

Cm Punk John Cena Summerslam
wwe.com

There is no greater hero in WWE lore than Hulk Hogan.

For years, he motivated and inspired millions of children to say their prayers, take their vitamins and work out. They were the three demandments of Hulkamania and they struck a chord with audiences across the globe. Hell, this writer even took Hulk Hogan-brand vitamins in hopes of being just like the Hulkster. He was larger than life and, even though he was not the most technically sound wrestler or the most coherent promo, he was like a god to the younger members of the WWE audience. By 1993, though, there was something different.

Hogan was no longer appearing regularly in WWE. He returned in time for WrestleMania IX and won the heavyweight title in a moment that even his most ardent of followers recognized as little more than an ego boost. Still, his Hulkamaniacs continued to believe in him and his code as he entered the King of the Ring to defend his title against the mighty Yokozuna.

And just as Bob Backlund shockingly let America down by losing to the Iron Sheik 10 years earlier, Hogan lost to the Japanese competitor. Of course, it came after a cameraman shot a fireball at him but the insult to injury saw Yoko drop one of Hogan's patented leg drops across the throat to seal the Hulkster's fate.

Contributor
Contributor

Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.