The Best Moments...
5. Championship Debut
WWE.comHulkamania was the phenomenon that dominated the sports entertainment world throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. But there was one place where Hulkamania had never run wild -- down South. The World Wrestling Federations eternal rival had instead enjoyed the always villainous and braggadocious antics of the Nature Boy Ric Flair. Despite Flair having a brief run in the then-WWF, from mid-1991 to early 93, these two colossal giants of the wrestling world had never met face-to-face in televised singles competition. It was
the dream match of that era, as fans of both promotions clamored for its occurrence. It was a dream that many thought would never become a reality when Ric Flair went back to WCW in February 1993. However, that would all change when the Hulkster signed a deal with Ted Turners WCW in June 1994 -- just one year after leaving McMahons warm embrace. No longer a dream, the match was officially made a reality when the two legendary wrestlers were set to face off just one month later at Julys Bash at the Beach pay-per-view for Flairs World Heavyweight Championship. In an attempt to rekindle some of Hogans magic from the Federation, he was paired with manager Jimmy Hart and was even accompanied by his original WrestleMania tag team partner and Rocky III co-star, Mr. T. Both men were unnecessary additions, as the crowd proved when they booed Mr. T. Fans had waited nearly a decade to see the Hulkster face off with the Nature Boy, and they would not be disappointed. The fans in Orlando, FL were on their feet throughout the thrilling encounter. They cheered loudly for WCWs newest acquisition. It was a match that became an instant classic -- perhaps more for its pure spectacle than for its in-ring work. Despite featuring the classic Hogan clichés -- such as his famous moment of Hulking up -- the match also saw the challenger embrace a bit of the Southern wrestling style, as he went hold for hold with Flair. In the end, after the aforementioned Hulk up, the big boot, and the signature leg drop, Hulkamania proved victorious. Hogan made Flair walk that aisle to the dressing room, without the proverbial ten pounds of gold around his waist. Shaq, who sat ringside to present the winner with the title at the matchs conclusion, entered the squared circle and handed WCWs World Heavyweight Championship to the Hulkster. Hulkamania had made the move south and had come out the victor. And so had the fans, as they were finally treated to a long-held dream contest between arguably the two greatest entertainers in the history of professional wrestling.