Hulk Hogan’s connection to SummerSlam never matched his legendary status at WrestleMania, yet he took part in several memorable matches throughout the pay-per-view’s history, especially in the early years and sporadically during the 2000s. This article presents Hulk Hogan SummerSlam Match Rankings, examining his best and worst performances on this stage.
Using TheSportster’s detailed rating system, these matches are compared with scores from Cagematch.net and Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, providing a comprehensive overview of Hogan’s SummerSlam legacy.
An Unfortunate Low Point: Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior vs. The Triangle of Terror (SummerSlam 1991)
This 1991 match, where Hulk Hogan teamed with The Ultimate Warrior against a foreign heel trio, ranks as the poorest showing in Hogan’s SummerSlam history. The match delivered minimal storytelling and suffered from outdated tropes of wrestling villains defined largely by nationality.
The in-ring action was basic and disorganized, featuring the typical babyface comeback storyline where Hogan and Warrior were beaten down before rallying to victory. Despite the crowd offering some support to the fan favorites, the overall impact was weak.
TheSportster gave this bout a 3.25/10, with low marks across storytelling and technical ability. Dave Meltzer’s rating was 1.25 stars, while Cagematch.net scored it 1.71, indicating broad consensus on the match’s disappointing quality.
The Final SummerSlam Bout: Hogan vs. Randy Orton (SummerSlam 2006)
Hulk Hogan’s last appearance at SummerSlam came in 2006 against Randy Orton, spotlighting a confrontation of two wrestling eras. The match was intended to elevate Orton but instead saw Hogan dominate throughout, minimizing Orton’s impact.
Orton made commendable efforts with his in-ring work, attempting to revive Hogan’s past glory, though the bout itself remained slow and uncomplicated. The audience’s lukewarm reception reflected the waning excitement surrounding Hogan’s sporadic <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE returns.
TheSportster rated this match 5.75/10, and Dave Meltzer gave it 2.25 stars, while Cagematch.net placed it slightly higher at 3.78. Despite moderate scores, the encounter lacked the intensity expected from a clash meant to signal a passing of the torch.
A Strange Main Event: Hogan & Brutus Beefcake vs. Randy Savage & Zeus (SummerSlam 1989)
SummerSlam 1989’s headline match was unique, blending fiction with wrestling as Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake faced Randy Savage and Zeus, a character from the film No Holds Barred. This gimmick-driven match generated mixed reception due to its odd narrative choices.
Randy Savage and Hogan managed to maintain interest, but Zeus’ involvement dragged down the in-ring quality. The storyline had lost clarity, and the match lacked genuine suspense, as Hogan and Beefcake’s victory was predictable.
TheSportster’s overall score was 6/10, reflecting middling storytelling and technical execution. Dave Meltzer assigned 2.5 stars, with Cagematch.net giving it 3.98. While the match held some appeal owing to its star power, it failed to stand out as a classic.
Competitive Clash: Hogan vs. Earthquake (SummerSlam 1990)
Hogan’s 1990 bout with Earthquake highlighted dependable chemistry between the two wrestlers, delivering a straightforward confrontation where Hogan overcame a powerful heel opponent. The match was marked by basic storytelling and a somewhat frustrating ending by countout.
Though not highly praised, Hogan and Earthquake provided solid action despite moments of plodding pacing. The conclusion left some fans unsatisfied since it lacked a decisive finish, which may have influenced critical reception.
According to TheSportster, the match earned a 6.25/10 rating, with Dave Meltzer granting it 2.25 stars and Cagematch.net rating it 4.66. The encounter represents a fair example of a solid, if unremarkable, SummerSlam contest for Hogan.
The Dream Match: Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels (SummerSlam 2005)
One of Hulk Hogan’s biggest SummerSlam matches occurred in 2005 against Shawn Michaels. While this contest generated substantial fan interest, it is infamous for Michaels notoriously overselling moves, at times making Hogan appear less credible in the ring.
The exaggerated selling by Michaels affected the match’s perceived quality but also underscored Hogan’s strength in several segments. Michaels’ top-tier wrestling skill helped carry the bout, creating a heated atmosphere that thrilled the crowd despite its flaws.
TheSportster awarded the match a 7/10, with Meltzer rating it 3.5 stars and Cagematch.net an impressive 7.05, indicating a strong overall performance appreciated by fans and critics despite the unusual elements.
The Most Memorable SummerSlam: The Mega Powers vs. The Mega Bucks (SummerSlam 1988)
The top-ranking match in Hulk Hogan SummerSlam Match Rankings took place at the very first SummerSlam in 1988. Here, the Mega Powers, composed of Hogan and Randy Savage, squared off against the Mega Bucks, featuring Ted DiBiase and Andre the Giant.
This match showcased four of WWE’s biggest names engaging in a thrilling tag team bout with a compelling storyline centered on the tension between Hogan and Savage. Despite Andre’s reduced mobility, his mere presence elevated the match’s significance. A memorable moment occurred when Miss Elizabeth’s intervention led to the Mega Powers’ triumph, further intensifying story developments.
TheSportster gave this match a 7/10, reflecting strong marks in storytelling and crowd reaction. Dave Meltzer rated it 2.75 stars, and Cagematch.net scored it 6.58. This contest remains a major chapter in SummerSlam history and defined Hogan’s most impactful moment on the event’s stage.
Implications of Hogan’s SummerSlam Legacy
Hulk Hogan’s varied SummerSlam matches illustrate a career that balanced memorable highs with forgettable lows. His most celebrated bout, the clash of Mega Powers and Mega Bucks, set a standard for engaging storytelling and star power that remains influential.
Conversely, some matches, such as his team-up with The Ultimate Warrior in 1991 or his last match against Randy Orton, highlight the challenges of maintaining relevance across wrestling’s evolving landscape. Hogan’s legacy at SummerSlam underscores the importance of dynamic storytelling and audience connection for lasting success in WWE’s major events.
Going forward, Hogan’s SummerSlam record will continue to be analyzed by fans and historians who regard both his iconic wins and less successful outings as essential parts of WWE’s storied past.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam is a yearly wrestling show organized by WWE, the top company in professional wrestling, and has been held since 1988. Known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” it ranks as WWE’s second most important event, just after WrestleMania.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2025 2 nights?
A. You can now buy tickets for each night of the first-ever two-night SummerSlam event. It will be held on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2 nights in 2025?
A. SummerSlam will celebrate its 38th year with a two-night event on August 2 and 3, 2025. It will be hosted at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Wrestlers from the Raw and SmackDown divisions will participate in the event.
Q. Will John Cena be in SummerSlam 2025?
A. John Cena, a famous WWE wrestler, will participate in his last SummerSlam in a much-awaited rematch with Cody Rhodes. This time, they’ll compete in a Street Fight. Cena already beat Rhodes at WrestleMania in April. After that win, he promised to “ruin wrestling” and retire as the “Last Real Champion” holding the title.
