Hulk Hogan had no particularly special tie to SummerSlam, as his primary focus was WrestleMania. However, he still appeared in several SummerSlam matches throughout his career, including during the early days of pay-per-view and sporadically in the late 2000s. WWE has ranked these matches from best to worst based on various criteria.
Using TheSportster’s rating system, all of Hogan’s SummerSlam encounters are ranked and compared with scores from Cagematch.net and Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
6. Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior vs. The Triangle of Terror (SummerSlam 1991)
TheSportster score: 3.25/10
This match is widely regarded as Hogan’s poorest performance at SummerSlam. He teamed with the Ultimate Warrior against a trio of foreign villains in a bout that felt outdated, with simple and sloppy action. The classic babyface comeback formula was used, which did get some crowd cheers, but the overall quality was lacking.
– Dave Meltzer: 1.25 stars
– Cagematch.net: 1.71
5. Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Orton (SummerSlam 2006)
TheSportster score: 5.75/10
Hogan’s final SummerSlam match was a clash between eras against Randy Orton, aimed at showcasing the younger star. Despite Hogan winning with little resistance, Orton’s performance was somewhat awkward, making the match feel slow and straightforward. The audience showed limited interest in Hogan wrestling again.
– Dave Meltzer: 2.25 stars
– Cagematch.net: 3.78
4. Hulk Hogan & Brutus Beefcake vs. Randy Savage & Zeus (SummerSlam 1989)
TheSportster score: 6/10
In this unusual main event, the fictional character Zeus from the movie “No Holds Barred” joined WWE, facing Hogan and Beefcake against Savage and Zeus. The match was a mixed bag, with Randy Savage and Hogan delivering strong performances, while Zeus was considered a weak link. The storytelling was confusing, and the predictable Hogan/Beefcake victory diminished viewer interest.
– Dave Meltzer: 2.5 stars
– Cagematch.net: 3.98
3. Hulk Hogan vs. Earthquake (SummerSlam 1990)
TheSportster score: 6.25/10
Hogan and Earthquake shared good chemistry, resulting in a straightforward but effective match where Hogan overcame the monster heel. The action sometimes faltered, and the story was quite simple, but overall it was a solid bout despite some harsh criticism perhaps due to its ending.
– Dave Meltzer: 2.25 stars
– Cagematch.net: 4.66
2. Hulk Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels (SummerSlam 2005)
TheSportster score: 7/10
This match is famous for Shawn Michaels selling excessively, which sometimes made Hogan look inept and led to some laughable moments. Despite this, Michaels’ world-class skills helped Hogan deliver a credible performance, and the crowd was highly engaged in this dream match between two wrestling legends.
– Dave Meltzer: 3.5 stars
– Cagematch.net: 7.05
1. Mega Powers vs. Mega Bucks (SummerSlam 1988)
TheSportster score: 7/10
The top Hogan match at SummerSlam was the inaugural event featuring the Mega Powers (Hogan and Randy Savage) against the villainous Mega Bucks (Ted DiBiase and Andre the Giant). The bout exuded a great fighting spirit, delighting fans despite Andre’s slower pace. The match also continued the evolving story of the tension between Hogan and Savage, making it a memorable cornerstone of SummerSlam history.
– Dave Meltzer: 2.75 stars
– Cagematch.net: 6.58
Fan Take: This ranking of Hulk Hogan’s SummerSlam matches reveals how even one of wrestling’s biggest icons had ups and downs across different eras and opponents. For WWE fans, it underscores the importance of storytelling and chemistry in creating memorable matches, highlighting how the sport continuously evolves yet honors its legendary moments and figures.
