Hulk Hogan didn’t just dominate the ring—he dominated storylines. Through a career spanning decades, Hogan battled some of the most iconic names in professional wrestling. These rivalries weren’t just about titles or grudges; they were the foundation of some of the most memorable moments in sports entertainment. Each feud pushed Hogan’s character to the limit and transformed how fans viewed heroes and villains in the squared circle. From body-slamming giants to clashing with corporate powerhouses, Hogan’s greatest feuds were stories of power, betrayal, redemption, and legacy. Let’s dive into the top 10 rivalries that shaped the career of Hulk Hogan and changed wrestling forever.

Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant

This rivalry stands as one of the most historic feuds in professional wrestling. When Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant clashed at WrestleMania III in 1987, it wasn't just a match—it was an event that defined an era. Hogan and Andre had once been allies, but jealousy and betrayal drove Andre to challenge his friend for the WWF Championship. The story was simple but powerful: the unbeatable giant vs. the unstoppable hero.

What made this feud legendary was its emotional intensity. Fans were invested in Hogan’s struggle to overcome the odds. When Hogan lifted Andre for the body slam heard around the world, it became an immortal moment in wrestling lore. Their rivalry didn’t end with that one match, either. It spilled over into rematches and tag team battles, keeping the fire alive for years.

• WrestleMania III drew 93,173 fans, a record at the time
• Andre's heel turn shocked fans and built anticipation
• Hogan’s slam became one of wrestling’s most replayed clips
• The feud made Hogan a global superstar

Hulk Hogan vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage

The Mega Powers started as a dream team and ended in a bitter explosion. Hogan and Randy Savage formed one of wrestling’s most charismatic alliances, captivating fans with their power, passion, and undeniable chemistry. But underneath the surface, tension brewed. Jealousy over Miss Elizabeth and Hogan’s growing spotlight slowly eroded their unity.

Their feud exploded at WrestleMania V in 1989, where Hogan defeated Savage for the WWF Championship. This wasn’t just about titles—it was personal. The storyline was filled with emotion, betrayal, and real-life tension that bled into the ring. Savage’s paranoia and Hogan’s overbearing heroism made the feud one of wrestling’s richest narratives.

• WrestleMania V was a blockbuster main event
• Their breakup featured months of build-up
• Fans were emotionally divided between both stars
• Their chemistry elevated storytelling in wrestling

Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior

In 1990, Hulk Hogan faced someone who matched his power, presence, and fan support—The Ultimate Warrior. Their clash at WrestleMania VI was a rare face-vs-face main event, and it delivered a shock when Warrior defeated Hogan clean in the middle of the ring. The passing-of-the-torch moment was unlike anything fans had seen before.

While their match was respectful, the tension between their characters created natural drama. Warrior’s mysterious aura and high-octane style contrasted with Hogan’s traditional heroism. Though their feud was relatively short-lived, the impact was massive, and the match is still hailed as one of WrestleMania’s finest.

• WrestleMania VI featured both the WWF and Intercontinental titles
• Warrior became the first man to defeat Hogan clean on that stage
• The match created generational conflict between fanbases
• Elevated Warrior into wrestling superstardom

Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair

Two worlds collided when Hogan and Ric Flair finally crossed paths in WCW. As the figureheads of rival promotions, fans had long dreamed of a showdown between these two titans. Flair, the master technician and arrogant villain, was the perfect foil to Hogan’s brawling style and all-American persona.

Their rivalry exploded in 1994 when Hogan arrived in WCW and defeated Flair for the World Championship. The feud stretched over multiple matches and brought mainstream attention to WCW. Though WWE never capitalized on this rivalry in the early '90s, WCW gave fans the war they wanted.

• Hogan vs. Flair was a true battle of icons
• Their matches drew high pay-per-view numbers
• Represented WWF vs. NWA-style wrestling
• Helped WCW rise as a credible competitor to WWE

Hulk Hogan vs. Vince McMahon

Sometimes fiction mirrors reality, and no rivalry captured that better than Hogan vs. Vince McMahon. The promoter and his star battled behind the scenes for decades, but at WrestleMania XIX, it all spilled into the ring. This wasn’t about championships—it was personal, and it was about legacy.

Their match was a brutal street fight that exceeded expectations. Both men bled, brawled, and told a story of power, betrayal, and business. McMahon’s villainous persona clashed perfectly with Hogan’s aging but defiant hero. It was a battle for control, pride, and respect between two titans who shaped modern wrestling.

• Took place at WrestleMania XIX in 2003
• Built around real-life tensions and control over Hulkamania
• One of the most emotional matches of Hogan’s late career
• Gave closure to their decades-long partnership and rivalry

Hulk Hogan vs. Kevin Nash

Hogan’s WCW run wouldn’t be complete without his feud with fellow nWo member Kevin Nash. Though both were founders of the faction, egos and ambition drove them apart. The tension came to a head in 1999 during the infamous “Fingerpoke of Doom,” where Hogan laid down for Nash after a simple poke, leading to massive backlash.

Later, they clashed again under more competitive circumstances, bringing legitimacy to a feud built on power struggles. Fans had grown tired of backstage politics, and this rivalry symbolized that frustration. Still, the sheer drama and spectacle gave fans plenty to talk about.

• “Fingerpoke of Doom” is one of wrestling’s most controversial angles
• The feud highlighted the downfall of the nWo storyline
• Represented WCW’s internal power struggles
• Added depth to Hogan’s heel persona as “Hollywood Hogan”

Hulk Hogan vs. Sting

One of the most anticipated WCW storylines was Hogan vs. Sting. For over a year, Sting remained silent and ominous, watching from the rafters while Hogan ruled WCW as the head of the nWo. The anticipation built into a fever pitch leading to their match at Starrcade 1997.

The storyline was near-perfect, but the match itself was mired in controversy due to a botched finish. Despite that, their rivalry remains iconic. Sting was seen as WCW’s last hope, while Hogan represented corruption and control. Their feud was the heart of WCW’s storytelling peak.

• Built over 12 months with Sting saying almost nothing
• Starrcade 1997 was WCW’s biggest pay-per-view
• Represented good vs. evil in wrestling’s grandest form
• Helped keep fans invested in WCW during the Monday Night Wars

Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock

At WrestleMania X8, generations clashed when The Rock faced Hulk Hogan. The match wasn’t built on hate—it was built on legacy. Hogan, returning to WWE as “Hollywood,” faced the people’s champion in one of the most electric atmospheres ever witnessed in wrestling.

Toronto’s crowd flipped the script, cheering Hogan and creating a surreal environment. Both men adapted mid-match, turning a dream encounter into an emotional masterclass. It was a symbolic handshake between eras—Hogan passing the torch while reminding the world why he was the icon of his time.

• WrestleMania X8 match became an instant classic
• Crowd reaction elevated the drama and storytelling
• Unified past and present wrestling audiences
• Cemented Hogan’s legacy with a new generation

Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter

In 1991, during the Gulf War era, Hulk Hogan faced an unthinkable challenge—Sgt. Slaughter, once a patriotic hero, had turned against the USA. Aligning himself with anti-American sentiment, Slaughter became one of Hogan’s most controversial foes, leading to a highly politicized feud.

Their WrestleMania VII main event saw Hogan fight not just for a title, but for American pride. Though criticized for its heavy political overtones, the feud drew real-world attention and emotional investment. Hogan, once again, played the role of savior against betrayal.

• WrestleMania VII featured an America vs. traitor theme
• Feud capitalized on real-world events to heighten stakes
• Reinforced Hogan’s patriotic image
• Controversial yet unforgettable rivalry

Hulk Hogan vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper

Roddy Piper was one of the few who could verbally spar with Hulk Hogan and win. Their rivalry during the mid-1980s was foundational in building the WWF into a cultural force. Piper refused to be pinned by Hogan for years, adding more tension and intensity to their clashes.

Their matches, interviews, and segments, especially the early editions of Piper’s Pit, helped define what wrestling could be. Piper was brash, unpredictable, and utterly anti-Hogan, making him the perfect foil. Their chemistry kept fans glued to their screens, and their rivalry helped launch the first WrestleMania.

• Key rivalry in building WWF’s early success
• Played a pivotal role in making WrestleMania a success
• Blended comedy, intensity, and chaos
• Piper’s refusal to job made the feud more personal and real

Conclusion

Hulk Hogan’s career was shaped not just by his victories, but by the enemies who stood across the ring. These rivalries pushed him to new heights, tested his character, and defined wrestling’s greatest eras. From epic showdowns with giants and icons to personal battles with promoters and peers, Hogan’s feuds reflected the drama, spectacle, and emotion that made pro wrestling an unforgettable spectacle. His enemies made him the hero, the villain, and the legend he became. In every era, Hogan needed the world—and the world needed someone to rise against him.