Rebooked: The Rock versus Hollywood Hulk Hogan

The Build-Up

It all started at No Way Out where Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall known as the NWO returned to the WWE. Their main targets soon became clear in the two of the company’s top faces, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.

The NWO started by attacking The Rock backstage and costing Steve Austin the WWF Undisputed Championship. Austin and The Rock met up the following week and became united under their hate of the NWO (although they faced off at WrestleMania only a year before). They brawled with the NWO from the ring into a parking lot until the NWO took the numbers advantage. After smashing The Rock though a windscreen the NWO ran off. The following week Stone Cold entered the arena alone and was beaten down by all three members of the NWO. His scheduled match with Kevin Nash never officially started.

The Rock returned the next week and called out the former “Hulkster” to come out alone. Hogan answered his challenge and came to the ring by himself. The two had an intense conversation. The Rock talked about how dream matches are usually just dreams but they can make this dream a reality. Hogan declined a match between the two until The Rock slapped him in the face and mocked his manhood. Hall and Nash came from the crowd and attacked The Rock until the crowd were treated to the sound of glass shattering as Stone Cold came out. Austin was able to throw all three NWO members from the ring and then proceeded to share a beer with the “Great One.”

The next week a double contract signing was held for WrestleMania X8. The Rock would challenge Hollywood Hulk Hogan while Steve Austin would face Scott Hall. After all four men signed it erupted into a brawl where Austin fought both Nash and Hall into the crowd while the “People’s Champion” and Hogan fought in the ring. Hall, Nash and Austin then disappeared while referee’s and officials pulled Rock and Hogan apart.

On the Raw before the big event the NWO were informed that they would be in a handicap match against The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the Main Event. The match was back and forth with the NWO’s Hogan and Hall refusing to face their WrestleMania opponents. The Rock eventually got in the ring with Hogan but Hogan caused a DQ after a blatant low blow. Leaving a final image before WrestleMania of the NWO spray painting their stables initials on their opponent’s backs.

The Show

OTHER MATCHES

After 9 matches which included Rob Van Dam being crowned the new Intercontinental Champion, Kurt Angle toppling Kane and the Undertaker coming up top over Ric Flair it was time for the match billed as “Icon vs. Icon” Just two matches before Stone Cold Steve Austin opened up his trademark can of whoop a** on Hogan’s fellow NWO stable mate, Scott Hall.

NWO WORRIED?

Both Hall and Kevin Nash were distressed about the loss wondering if it will effect Hogan in his match with The Rock later tonight. We see Hogan’s views in a short segment after the Tag Team Title match.

Hall: (Pacing back and forth) Hey yo, could you believe what just happened out there tonight?

Nash: Just calm down look Hogan’s got it covered. He’ll beat Rocky tonight then we’ll get our revenge on Austin, yeah?

Hogan walks onto the set in full wrestling attire and his black and white feather bowers. We hear a load roar from the crowd in the sold out SkyDome.

Hogan: What’s the matter brother?

Nash: Nothing Hulk. You just concentrate on your match.

Hogan: Oh I’m ready brother. I’m ready to rip this jabroni a new a** hole.

Hall: Well you better be. Rocky gonna bring his A-game.

Hogan: And I’m gonna to bring the same because tonight is the night the world watches it’s “People Champion” crumbles before the might of the N...W...O!

“A year ago we would have thought this match could have never occurred but there’s only one place, only one stage for this match, Wrestlemania X8. The Rock versus Hollywood Hulk Hogan.”

Jim Ross- WWE Commentator

HOGAN RETURNS

The immortal riffs of the NWO Music plays as the SkyDome turns black and white. Hogan struts out onto the stage playing his air guitar load and proud. He continues his strut down the ramp and into the ring where the screen returns to normal. The commentators make note that this is Hogan’s tenth Wrestlemania and his first in 9 years. As the music stops a loud “Hogan, Hogan” chant is heard. Hogan smiles, then turns away.

THE PEOPLE’S ENTRANCE

“If you smell what the Rock is cooking…” The timeless words to The Rock’s entrance theme cuts Hogan’s nostalgic chants from the audience. As The Rock emerges from the entrance the crowd cheer even louder. “The Great One” pauses on the stage and looks around into the audience before beginning his journey on marching down to the ring. The Rock leaps up onto the steel steps and walks across to the ring ropes before striking his signature pose on the top turnbuckle.

THE STAREDOWN

The Rock jumps down and the music cuts and the crowd are heard in their deafening cheers for both competitors. Hogan removes his sunglasses and walks up to The Rock. They meet face to face in the centre of the ring. After a few moments of staring at each other they turn to the crowd, split on their chosen Icon. They then back up towards their respective turnbuckles as the ring bell sounds.

The Match

The two icons lock up in the middle of the ring. After seconds of struggling Hogan gets the advantage and backs The Rock up into the ropes. The referee makes a 4 count and Hogan releases. They centre back up in the ring then lock up once more. After more struggling to gain the advantage The Rock comes out on top and forces Hogan into the ropes. The referee once again makes the count and The Rock releases. Hogan then pushes The Rock back into the centre of the ring. For a third time they lock up. They struggle back and forth with both men nearing the ropes until Hogan hits a big scoop slam sending The Rock to the floor sending the Hogan fans into a frenzy.

The Rock quickly gets back onto his feet but now holding his back. They lock up again but only briefly as Hogan irish whips Rock into the ropes. On the rebound Hogan lifts his arm out in a clothesline knocking The Rock down for a second time. The Rock gets back up but this time slower. Hogan grabs Rock around the head and gives him a clubbing blow to the back. After a third hit Rock goes down and Hogan taunts to the crowd. Hogan reaches down to pick up his opponent but Rock pushes away. Rock follows up with a few fists sending Hulk back into the ropes.

Rock grabs Hogan and sends him into ropes and as he comes back he hits a clothesline to knock Hogan off his feet. The Rock then takes his turn to taunt the crowd as Hogan slowly reaches his feet. Rock goes for an early Rock Bottom but Hogan counters with some elbows to the head. Hogan then sends Rock into the turnbuckle. Rock is able to give an elbow back to Hogan who quickly reacts with a back rake. The referee warns Hogan who follows in on the “The Great One”.

The Rock stumbles into the centre of the ring where Hogan attacks from behind in an Atomic Drop. Rock goes down and Hogan follows with two consecutive elbow drops. The third is only stopped as Hogan whips his shoe over The Rock’s face. Hogan taunts the crowd once more who are cheering loudly for him. This allows Rocky to get to his feet and deliver 3 quick blows to Hogan’s ribs. The Rock tries for a Samoan Drop on Hogan who is able to slip out from the move and hit a back suplex. Both men get to their feet around the same time.

They struggle over the advantage until The Rock pulls out a front suplex which keeps Hogan down. The Rock tries for a 3-count but only gets a two. Strangely The Rock exits the ring onto the apron and starts ascending the turnbuckle. The Rock waits on the top rope until Hogan gets to his feet. The Rock dives off in a diving crossbody but fails to connect as Hogan moves out of the way. Hogan tries for the win after an unusual top rope move from The Rock but only gets a two count. Back on their feet Hogan gets ready to lift The Rock in military press slam but the Rock jumps out from behind hitting a Russian leg sweep for his own close count.

With Hollywood down The Rock looks around to the millions (and millions) of The Rock fans in the arena and watching around the world and prepares for the Peoples Elbow. He kicks the arm in, removes the elbow pad then throws it before setting off into the ropes. Hogan is able to get to his feet in time and hit a big shoulder block to counter. With The Rock down Hogan locks in a sleeper hold. The Rock nearly falls unconscious to the hold but is revived before the referee’s count of three. The Rock gets to his feet and gives three elbows to Hogan’s mid section.

He is able escape the hold and run into the ropes but as he comes back Hogan hits the big boot. Hogan quickly covers but gets another two count. Back on their feet the two opponents both delivers punches until The Rock ducks Hogan’s fist and grabs his legs. Yanking them in the air he sends Hogan onto his back. The Rock crosses the legs and turns him over for the Sharpshooter. Hogan screams in agony but is able to eventually reach the ropes.

The Rock makes the break then gets the weakened Hogan to his feet against the ropes. Rock sends him into the ropes and delivers a spinebuster. The Rock looks like he is going for a pin but instead pulls his opponent to his feet. The Rock then hits his signature move the Rock Bottom and quickly hooks the leg. But the Hulkster kicks out again.

The Rock signals for one more and lifts the battered body of Hogan to his feet but Hogan starts to shake his head. The Rock starts to punch away to no effect as Hogan shakes his head and then his fists. The Rock tries for his trademark palm strike but Hogan is Hulking up! Hogan starts his punches on the Rock then sends him into the ropes for a big boot. Hogan then signals to the crowd for the Leg Drop and is able to hit it. Hogan goes for the cover but the “People’s Champion” is able to get a shoulder up before the count of three to continue this historic match.

The Rock then rolls to the outside to recover as Hogan sits in the ring in disbelief. Hogan then follows The Rock to the outside but is met by the Rock smashing his face into the announce table. The Rock throws Hogan back into the ring and signals for a second People’s Elbow. Once again he kicks the arm then removes the second elbow pad and throws it into the crowd. On the way back from the ropes Hogan is able to trip the Rock up.

Both men stay down until the count of 9 from the official. Once back on their feet they come face to face once more. Both exhausted after hitting their big moves and still unable to get the 3-count. The stare down is broken up by Hogan’s right hand hitting The Rock’s face. The Rock delivers one back and they continue to trade blows until Hogan catches The Rock in his own Rock Bottom!

Hogan gets back up and mocks the Rock by trying for the Peoples Elbow. He kicks in the arm, removes an imaginary elbow pad and throws it into the crowd. Hogan comes back off the ropes but is met by a Rock Bottom. With sweat dripping off his brow and his heart racing The Rock kicks in the arm, removes the... realises he has no elbow pad left and just raises his arm to the “Just bring it” pose. Then runs into the ropes and returns with an elbow to Hogan’s chest. The crowd wait in disbelief for the count. 1..2..3

THE AFTERMATH

The Rock stumbles to his feet with help from the referee then gets his hand raised to the sell out crowd. Hogan very slowly gets to his feet with sweat pouring off him clutching both his back and his midsection. The Rock comes down off the turnbuckle and returns face to face with Hogan. As it looks like they’re going to start fighting again Hogan extends his hand in a handshake. The Rock looks around as if he’s asking the crowd should he shake his hand after what he has done. The Rock then shakes the hand and a smile grows on both men’s faces.

This is until Scott Hall and Kevin Nash walk down to the ring. They enter the ring and walk over to Hogan. You can see that they are upset with him and are asking him why he shook his hand. Hogan doesn’t respond and Hall pushes Hogan. Hogan then straightens up and punches Hall and Nash. Hall gets back up but the Rock grabs him so that Hogan can strike Hall. Hogan lines up the punch but as he goes to connect with a punch on Hall, The Rock moves and delivers a kick between the legs of Hogan before delivering yet another Rock Bottom.

The Rock’s smile returns as Nash pulls out a spray can and hands it over to The Rock. In the middle of the ring The Rock spray paints “NWO” on Hogan’s back. Hall, Nash and Rock stand over Hogan’s body as the camera zooms in on the back on Hogan.