10 Wrestlers That Would've Been WWE Champion Without Hulk Hogan
6. Dusty Rhodes
In his autobiography, Dusty Rhodes claims that back in the late 70s/early 80s, Vincent J. McMahon offered him a role similar to what Vince's son, VIncent K. McMahon, would eventually offer Hulk Hogan. While Dusty stayed with the NWA, Vincent K. took over soon after and the rest is history
When The American Dream finally did come to work for Vincent K. McMahon in 1989, many professional wrestling fans were clamouring with anticipation to finally see the former NWA Champion (and JCP booker) mix it up with the WWF's finest.
Much like today, back in 1989 Vince didn't typically allow incoming talents to utilise the same gimmick or character that had worked in a previous territory. So for Dusty Rhodes to keep his ring name, along with "The American Dream" alias, was considered a win for him.
Before Rhodes could get into the ring, however, McMahon had to tweak the Dusty Rhodes character by dressing him in polka dots, making Dusty dance, and portraying him as the "Common Man" in vignettes showing Rhodes delivering pizza, picking up trash, and working as a plumber, a story that is well-documented.
Would Dusty have been given the polka dots and presented as a glorified comedy act without Hulk Hogan around? Who knows, but given the extreme popularity of Dusty in the 70s and 80s, it's very likely that one of the most popular wrestlers in the world would've found his way to the most popular promotion in the world and been given a run with the promotion's top prize.