10 Wrestlers That Would've Been WWE Champion Without Hulk Hogan
1. Jimmy Snuka
The still-unsolved death of Superfly Jimmy Snuka's then-girlfriend, Nancy Argentino, has been a black cloud hovering over the wrestler since 1983, with Snuka formally being charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in 2015.
Even as far back as 1983, there was speculation that Vince McMahon involved himself in the matter, meeting with investigators on behalf of his famed wrestler and attempting to use his influence and resources to protect Snuka (and his company) at the time.
Imagine if Snuka had been in the Hulk Hogan role as the company's flagship performer? From a public relations standpoint, this would've been disastrous for Vince McMahon and the WWF, potentially crippling them before they could even get off the ground.
Coincidentally, Snuka was being considered for that role by Vince McMahon according to many wrestling insiders because of his immense popularity with the fans. Snuka's leap off the top of the steel cage onto Don Muraco at Madison Square Garden has reached mythical proportions and was proof that the Superfly was as popular as anyone during the early 80s.
Unfortunately for Snuka, he was believed to be heavily into drugs and had a reputation as someone that could not be trusted with such an important role. This is most likely what lead to The Superfly being passed over for the golden boy spot.
Not only could Snuka have been WWF Champion if it wasn't for the rise of Hulk Hogan, he could've been the face of the entire wrestling business.