10 WWE Pay-Per-View Matches That Surpassed Expectations

3. Hulk Hogan Vs. The Rock (WrestleMania X8)

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WWE.com

It's surprising to think that Hulk Hogan still talks about making a return to the ring today, especially considering his body was a wreck by 2002. Knee and back pain aplenty plagued Hogan, but he was determined to put on a show for his return to the promotion with which he made his name.

Hulk's comeback as part of the nWo in February parlayed into a match at WrestleMania X8 against The Rock. Many of Hogan's later matches in WCW hadn't exactly been thrillers, so few could foresee a spectacle, even with the youthful Rock to help shore things up.

During the bout, Hulk and The Rock raced through many of their trademark spots, but that was all the people really desired. There was an overwhelming affection for Hogan in 2002, everyone was clearly happy to see him back in the WWF.

There was no slow pace here, and Hulk came out looking like a million bucks as he ran through his familiar routine.

WWF management must have been equally as impressed, they handed Hogan a WWF Heavyweight Title reign just a month later.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.