Hulk Hogan, one of the most famous names in professional wrestling, left a lasting mark on the sport. While his life outside the ring often sparked controversy, inside the squared circle he became an icon for millions of fans.
Hogan’s charisma and popularity fueled not one, but two wrestling boom periods — first in the 1980s and then again in the 1990s. Over three decades, he delivered countless unforgettable matches that shaped wrestling history.
Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant – WrestleMania 3 (1987)
WrestleMania 3 was built around a single question: Could Hulk Hogan body slam the massive Andre the Giant? On March 29, 1987, in front of 78,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, the answer came in a dramatic moment that wrestling fans still talk about today.
The match’s actual in-ring action may not have been groundbreaking, but the spectacle was unmatched. This was the biggest wrestling event of its time, drawing a crowd four times larger than the first WrestleMania.
Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant – The Main Event (1988)
A year later, Hogan and Andre met again, this time on national television. Their bout on NBC’s The Main Event drew a staggering 33 million viewers, making it the most-watched wrestling match in U.S. TV history.
Despite a controversial ending involving the referees and the WWF World Championship, the match cemented its place as one of the most significant moments in wrestling. The TV audience record still stands decades later.
Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior – WrestleMania 6 (1990)
WrestleMania 6 delivered a rare main event between two fan favorites: WWF Champion Hulk Hogan and Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior. Both titles were on the line in this high-stakes showdown.
By 1990, many wondered if Hulkamania’s dominance could finally be challenged. The Warrior, with his explosive energy and massive fan support, proved to be the perfect contender.
‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan vs. Goldberg – WCW Monday Nitro (1998)
In the late 1990s, Hogan reinvented himself as the villainous leader of the nWo in WCW. Gone was the smiling hero of the WWF — “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan now ruled wrestling’s darker side.
On July 6, 1998, in front of 40,000 fans at the Georgia Dome and nearly 10 million watching at home, Hogan faced WCW’s unstoppable force, Goldberg. With an undefeated streak (though debated in accuracy), Goldberg’s victory over Hogan became one of WCW’s most iconic moments.
‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock – WrestleMania 18 (2002)
After the fall of WCW, Hogan returned to WWF in 2002, still under his Hollywood persona. At WrestleMania 18 in Toronto’s SkyDome, he faced The Rock in a match that blended eras and generations.
The crowd’s reaction turned the night into a nostalgia-fueled spectacle. Despite The Rock being the fan favorite on paper, the audience erupted in support of Hogan, creating an electric atmosphere rarely matched in wrestling history.
Hogan’s career continued with battles against Vince McMahon, Shawn Michaels, and Sting, but these five matches stand as defining moments of Hulkamania. From slamming giants to clashing with legends, Hogan’s in-ring legacy remains unforgettable.
