Top seven iconic WWE matches that transformed Hulk Hogan into cultural icon

Hulk Hogan’s popularity transcended with these iconic WWE matches!

The Immortal, Hulk Hogan, will go down in history as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. After years of having ‘Hulkamania’ run wild, the fans were left in shock on July 24, 2025, when Hogan shockingly passed away due to heart failure.

While Hulk Hogan has been laid to rest, his legacy will be like him, ‘Immortal.’ Moreover, some iconic matches have carved an illustrious history, and here is a look at those seven in-ring WWE showdowns that transformed him into a cultural icon.

7. Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff (1985)

Hulk Hogan’s popularity transcended when he main evented the first-ever WrestleMania with popular icon Mr T against Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff in a tag team match and Muhammad Ali was also involved. The showdown was a spectacular sight that saw Hogan and Mr T emerging victorious at the ‘Grandest Stage of Them All’.

Also Read: Vince McMahon slams Triple H’s creative direction for Hulk Hogan’s last WWE appearance

6. Iron Shiek (1984)

The birth of Hulkamania happened in Madison Square Garden in 1984 when he faced the Iron Sheik for the WWE title. Hogan defeated The Sheik in 5 minutes and 40 seconds to win his first World title in the company in a highly memorable night for WWE.

5. Sgt. Slaughter (1991)

In a perfect scenario of USA hero vs the Iranian militant at the height of the Gulf War, Hulk Hogan had a captivating rivalry with Sgt. Slaughter. The Hulkster became the All-American Hero by defeating him at WrestleMania VII in a blockbuster showdown.

4. The Rock (2002)

In a match billed ‘Icon vs Icon’, The Rock and Hulk Hogan squared off in a dream match at WrestleMania X8. The crowd roared cheers for the heel Hogan and booed The Rock in a classic double turn. Despite losing the bout to The Great One, Hogan was the real victor of the bout and etched a memorable match to his resume.

3. Ultimate Warrior (1990)

Hulk Hogan, who was the defending WWE Champion, was embroiled in a heated feud with Ultimate Warrior, the reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion. This led to a ‘Title vs Title’ match at WrestleMania VI, where Hogan gave it back to the business with a loss to The Warrior and gave him his crowning moment as the next top star.

Also Read: Official cause of WWE HOF Hulk Hogan’s death revealed

2. Macho Man Randy Savage (1989)

The Mega Powers, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage, exploded at WrestleMania V in a WWE title match. The Hulkster and The Macho Man tore the house down at the Grandest Stage of Them All, but it was Hogan who left as the victor.

1. Andre The Giant (1987)

Arguably, the most iconic moment of Hogan’s career that made him a global icon was during his classic bout against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III. In a shocking and memorable moment, The Hulkster bodyslammed Andre to the mat, and a hard-hitting classic encounter ended in Hogan’s win and him retaining the WWE title.

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