Opponent for Wrestlemania 22 ?

[HULKAMANIA]

There's been a lot of internet rumors saying John Cena, others saying Steve Austin, but let's put it to the Hulkamaniacs.

Who do you want Hulk Hogan to face at Wrestlemania 22, next year ?

[tradewynd]

Making the assumption that Matt Hardy is correct in saying that he is going to be getting a big rub 5-6 months down the line, I would want to see him work Hardy. I've been high on his work for a long time, as his timing is good, his pacing his good, his promos are great and his psychology is getting better and better. And to think people didn't believe me when I said he was holding the Hardy Boyz team together. If it was high enough on the card, and Hogan would be willing to work with him in the ring, even doing a job in the right circumstances could elevate Hardy to main event status.

If I can could be super unrealistic, I'd want to see him work Magnum TOKYO. Sure, there is exactly a 0.0% chance of that happening, but Magnum has great charisma and psychology, and can do a lot of highspots by himself, so the style conflict between he and Hogan wouldn't be as big of a deal as it would seem on the surface. That aside, Hogan's posing and Magnum's dancing would make for great pre and post-match spots, especially if Magnum went stripper again.

[SK3]

To me, if Hulk does indeed wrestle again, Austin is the only feasible opponent left. That's the one-on-one dream match everyone is screaming for, and believe me, a match between the two biggest names in wrestling history could sell WM22 all by itself.

[tradewynd]

When I say that, I realize that I'm living in my own little fantasy world. Hulk's business practices aren't exactly a secret, there's no way he would ever work with someone who wasn't established at Wrestlemania. That would stop him from making main event money, and there would be no reason whatsoever for him to go over.

I've soured on the Stone Cold gimmick after his initial babyface turn in 97, and the whole what thing got on my nerves very quickly. Worse yet, the marks won't let it go. If I never see that gimmick on TV again it will be too soon. Putting that aside, I don't want to see Austin paralyze himself in the ring either. His neck is about as bad as it can get while still walking. He had one hell of a run and did a lot for the business. I'd like to see him retire on his feet and not in a wheelchair. You can't dish out Stunners in the kitchen in a wheelchair.

And you don't need Hogan vs. Austin or Hogan vs. God or anything else to sell out Wrestlemania. It has the same name value the Super Bowl does, call it Wrestlemania and they will come, even if the main event is a legends arm wrestling match between Brooklyn Brawler and George South.

[SK3]

I should have clarified myself when I said "sell", actually. WrestleMania alone will sell out any building anywhere in the world, but in terms of stirring up general mainstream interest, Hulk vs. Austin would be the way to go. I do agree with you about Stone Cold, though. To me, the gimmick is old and tired, and doesn't have the timeless quality of a Hulk Hogan. Someone like Hulk can generate pops at any age, it seems. Austin? Sure, there will be a lot of marks who will go nuts, but they are in the minority compared to what Hulk gets.

Brawler vs. George South...I'm there.

[Dog Fan]

i'm more in favor of hogan doing strategic appearances. he could be a guest referee for a main event match, and the payoff would still be good for him. and i agree with tradewynd that austin shouldn't be in the ring (even though he is planning it) and hulk should consider a graceful exit himself.

randy orton said on byte this that 'it would be a dream' to wrestle hogan. i think orton or christian would make great challengers who are worthy of going over.

[Sir Auron]

I don't know how bad Austins condition is, but if Hogan can get in the ring considering his condition, then I'm sure Austin can get into the ring one last time, and finally do whats expected of him;

Lay down for The Immortal Hulk Hogan ;D

But on a more serious note though, if Hogan-Austin does take place, who do you guys think would go over? Weren't there plans to have Austin-Hogan at WM18, but since neither guy wanted to job to the other, they had to go with Rock-Hogan instead? Or are these only rumors?

[Dog Fan]

i don't know if they're rumors. hogan was willing to lose to the rock, so i don't see why he'd be against losing to austin. a lot of the stuff reported on internet sites is untrue garbage. only a small percentage of what's being reported is actually true.