Week 1 - Match: The Rock vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan – WrestleMania 18 (2002)

Icon vs Icon. “He beat Andre The Giant with that move!" - Jim Ross

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Match: The Rock vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan – WrestleMania 18 (2002)

Context

Classed as one of the best Wrestlemania matches of all time. The Rock vs Hollywood Hogan might not have closed the show, but its certainly the match everyone talks about from Wrestlemania 18 in Toronto. Billed at “Icon vs Icon”, Rock vs Hogan proved to be a clash between two pro wrestling mega stars. Hollywood Hogan came into the match as a heel but Toronto decided to cheer the leader of the NWO right from the off. Both men were forced to listen to the crowd and call some of the match in the ring. Hogan played up to it, Rock adapted and the crowd were electric, creating a must see Wrestlemania classic.

Lookout for the crowds epic reaction to Hogan “Hulking up”. Also JR with one of his best calls - He beat Andre The Giant with that move!

Hollywood Hogan was cheered upon entering the arena.

Did You Know?

Supposedly Hogan was meant to face Steve Austin at Wrestlemania but the Texas Rattlesnake turned it down. Austin had fears about a clash of in ring styles leading to a poor match. Maybe the two biggest stars in the industry didn’t want to put each other over either.

Why You Should Watch

This might be the most talked about match in Wrestlemania history. It’s no technical classic but it’s a must see for the crowd reactions, nostalgia and star power on show.

Hogan played up to the Toronto Crowd throughout

Where Can You See It?

At time of writing WWE has the match on their official Youtube Channel (WWE). You can find it here.

Or watch the full match below, courtesy of WWE’s official YouTube channel

Let’s Talk

Let us know in the chat what you think of this match. Was this one of the best Wrestlemania matches of all time for you?

The Rock had to adapt to the crowd response

Coming Next Week:

Austin 3:16 — The Promo that made Steve Austin “Stone Cold”.

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