10 Ways Paul Heyman's Smackdown Was The Best Ever

5. Keeping Hulkamania Under Control

The Hulkamania renaissance of 2002 took many people by surprise (although it probably didn't surprise Hogan). Although he was one of the business' true legends, it was deemed that his best years were long behind him. His WCW career had fizzled out towards the end of his run there and he hadn't been in the ring much since. He hadn't worked for the WWE since 1994. Eight long years. Would the fans remember him? That question was answered with a resounding 'yes' when the Hulkster made his triumphant return at No Way Out 2002. Hogan established himself as the most over member of the roster at WrestleMania X8 and Backlash, where he won the WWE Undisputed Title. Hogan had used his well-honed powers of manipulation to fool Vince and co. into thinking that he was the answer to their problems, that pushing him was the solution to declining ratings and PPV buy rates. It wasn't, of course, and with Hogan all over Raw and Smackdown the ratings actually got worse, not better. After dropping the Undisputed Title, Hogan was moved to Smackdown exclusively. Whilst there, his push was scaled down and he was used to help put over up-and-coming stars like Lesnar and Angle, as well as giving guys like Edge the rub by teaming with him. No, Heyman (and Vince) would not let Hogan creep into the title picture again. Was he given considerable screen time? Of course, but at least his roles were helping and not hindering the product, allowing the younger, hungrier talent to shine.