Ranking Hulk Hogan's WrestleMania Matches - From Worst To Best

by Erik Beaston

1. Icon Vs. Icon: "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan Vs. The Rock - WrestleMania 18

In 2002, Hulk Hogan returned to WWE after eight years of guiding competitor WCW to its greatest success and, ultimately, its downfall. While many suspected a dream match with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was destiny, promoter Vince McMahon had other ideas. He wanted the greatest pop culture phenomenon of one era to battle the biggest mainstream icon he had produced during the Attitude Era, The Rock. At a time when the industry was coming off the incredible high that was the previous four years, he was hoping the battle of mega-stars would generate interest in his product. It did, even if momentarily.

Rock and Hogan's staredown to start the match immediately suggested that Hogan was the overwhelming favorite, the fans in attendance never forgetting the classic encounter he had given them with Ultimate Warrior 12 years earlier. Much like that match, him and Rock relied on crowd-pleasing spots to mask the fact that Hogan was no longer the performer he once was.

But he did not have to be. The spectacle of it all, combined with the youthful energy of his opponent an the excitement that the fans approached the match with carried the bout. The Rock would win the match following his trademark People's Elbow but it was Hogan who was the real victor. He had proven all of his doubters wrong, taking the stage for a major encounter and performing up to the level of his opponent.

The result? An instant classic.

Contributor
Contributor

Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.