13 Biggest Matches WWE Should've Booked In The 80s (But Didn't)

5. Ravishing Rick Rude Vs. Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan did wrestle Ravishing Rick Rude in the Boston Garden on January 9, 1988, that match wan't televised and, back in those days, no TV meant no recognition and the company acted as if the match never happened. As expected, Hogan defeated Rude following the Leg Drop and 1-2-3, but a proper program between these two men never took place. Like another entry that will be discussed shortly, this program is believed to have been avoided in the interest of Hulkamania. According to Ric Flair on a September 2015 episode of his podcast, Hogan was afraid to work with Rude due to his reputation for being a bit reckless and dangerous. Flair claims to have learned this after working alongside Hulk in WCW. Hogan's supposed concerns stemmed from a situation in which Rude legitimately roughed up the Ultimate Warrior during their days in the WWF after Warrior made a passing comment about Rick Rude not deserving a WWF Title shot. Flair added that Hulk called Rude "The Tasmanian Devil" because of his outbursts, a reputation that probably didn't do Rude's career any favors. If the story is true (considering Ric Flair is the source one shouldn't be taking the story as 100% factual) this cost Rude boatloads of money since he never did work a long storyline with the number one guy in the business. If he had, Rude would've made Hogan look great and benefited himself from receiving the rub, but his career turned out pretty damn good even without facing the Hulkster.