There is no doubt that The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan would be a match for the ages, a contest worthy of headlining a WrestleMania and selling out any arena in the world, One man was the most popular figure of the ‘80s “Rock ‘n̓ Wrestling”, while the other is the most electrifying man in sports-entertainment today. This dream match is something that most longtime fans have debated for years, Just imagine what a promo between the two would sound like if these two grapplers could have competed in the same era and company,
Hulk Hogan
Listen up, Rocky dude. I just came back from Venice Beach, California, brother While I was
training, one of my Hulkamaniacs came up to me, man, and asked me to break you half for
him, I've been training, saying my prayers and taking my vitamins, Rock, and I'm taking you
out for all of my Hulkamaniacs, dude. So watcha gonna do when the Hulkster runs wild on
you?
The Rock
Let The Rock tell you what you can do, Hogan. You can train, say your prayers and take your vitamins all you want. .. .but just bring it. Because you see, The Rock is gonna wait in the crowd and watch as you rip off that ridiculous yellow T-shirt. Then, when you throw it into the crowd—and they move aside be cause your shirt smells like monkey crap—The Rock is going to put on a glove, pick up that shirt, shine it up real nice, turn that sumbitch sideways and stick it straight up your candy ass! If ya smelllllllll what The Rock... is cookin',',
Strengths
The “Great One” is an indomitable competitor, possessing tremendous speed, agility and pure athieticism. Perhaps nobody is more versatile or ready to adapt to any opponent's style than The Rock. He may have a good time backstage, but when he hits the ring he̓s all business. The Brahma Bull can take huge amounts of punishment and dish out even more.
Weaknesses
With remarkable determination and resilience, The Rock shows almost no signs of weakness. If there is a chink in his armor, it has yet to be discovered.
Key Wins
Throughout his WWF tenure, The Rock has amassed an incredible list of victories. En route to his first championship reign, The Rock defeated four men in one night at the 1998 Survivor Series. So far, The Rock has been able to defeat such Superstars as Kurt Angle, Triple H, Mick Foley, Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Key Losses
Two of the more devastating losses The Rock has encountered were his title defenses at WrestleMania XV and WrestleMania X-Seven against Stone Cold Steve Austin. While being showcased in the main event of the crown jewel of sports-entertainment is a huge honor, leaving the arena without the coveted Heavyweight Championship is a bitter pill to swallow.
Finishing Move(s)
The Rock Bottom is perhaps one of the most effective maneuvers in the business, and the worst part is an opponent never sees it coming. Just as it seems an opponent has the upper hand, The Rock reverses the hold and nails a Rock Bottom. In the event that the Rock Bottom fails to finish off an opponent, The Rock stands over his semi-prone adversary, throws his elbow pad to the screaming crowd, springs into the ropes for momentum and nails the devastating People's Elbow for the victory.
Strategy
Since The Rock is faster and more athletic than the Hulkster, he would need to use this to his advantage and wear out Hogan. A tired and vulnerable Hogan would be extremely prone to a Rock Bottom or a People's Elbow.
Strengths
In his heyday, Hogan was practically invulnerable. Energized by the millions of Hulkamaniacs worldwide, Hogan would get his adrenaline pumping and simply shrug off the most venomous attacks. Once Hogan began to shake and puff his cheeks, there was little an opponent could do, but when he shook his head and pointed his finger in disapproval, his adversaries knew the end was near.
Weaknesses
Hogan's self-righteousness makes him an easy target, a trait his enemies exploited later in his career, Distracted by events occurring at ringside, Hogan often lost focus, and would relinquish an advantage or leave the ring in order to do what he felt was right and just—
even if it meant losing the match. Many times these good deeds backfired on the Hulkster.
Key Wins
It seemed that throughout the 1980s, Hogan defeated every major heel to come through the WWF There are two epic victories that defined Hogan̓s career. One was his first Championship victory over the Iron Sheik on January 23, 1984 at New York's Madison Square Garden, which was the beginning of Hulkamania. The other was at the sold-out Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, for WrestleMania III, where in front of 93,173 screaming fans, Hogan slammed and pinned Andre the Giant for the first time ever, highlighting what was to be the crowning moment of the era of Hulkamanla.
Key Losses
While Hogan suffered few losses during his tenure in the WWF the ones he did suffer are legendary. There were two losses that seemingly revealed the Achilles' heel of Hulkamania. The first was his loss to the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI. This was the first time anybody saw the Hulkster outmatched, and it appeared to be Hogan's swan song. The other was his monumental defeat at the hands of the late, great Yokozuna at the 1993 King of the Ring, which was the coda for Hulkamania.
Finishing Move(s)
The set up for Hogan's finisher was either a giant boot to the face or a huge bodyslam. Once an opponent was prone, Hogan would hit the ropes, spring off and land a big Leg Drop for the 1-2-3.
Strategy
While not as quick as The Rock, Hogan would have to rely on his sheer strength and the energy surges supplied by his Hulkamaniacs. Hogan would have to use the power of his 24-inch pythons to ground The Rock, in hopes of setting him up for the big Leg Drop.
Final Analysis
There are many parallels to be drawn between The Rock's current phenomenon and Hogan in his prime. For instance, The Rock is a six-time WWF Champion; one of the men he surpassed
to claim this record was Hogan, who held the title on five occasions. When it comes to crowd reaction, these two are unquestionably the best in their respective eras at holding the crowd in the palm of their hands. Amidst Hulkamania, Hogan needed only to pose down or flick a hand next to his ear to send the crowd into a frenzy. Today, The Rock simply raises his eyebrow and the millions and millions of his fans begin chanting his name.
Without a doubt, there is not a venue large enough to hold the number of fans who would want to see this epic battle.