Jim Ross Reveals Why Hulk Hogan vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin Never Happened at WrestleMania X8

The former WWE commentator weighed in on Steve Austin's lack of interest in facing Hulk Hogan back in 2002.

Jim Ross Reveals Why Hulk Hogan vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin Never Happened at WrestleMania X8

Hulk Hogan, The Rock and Stone Cold (via WWE)

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The wrestling world is mourning the loss of an icon. Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest names in professional wrestling history, passed away at the age of 71 following a heart attack. In the wake of his passing, WWE has shared numerous tribute videos across social media, honoring the Hulkster’s immense contributions to bringing wrestling into the mainstream spotlight in the 80s alongside Vince McMahon. 

Among the many moments being remembered, one match in particular has resurfaced and is widely considered the greatest of Hogan’s career—his legendary Icon vs. Icon showdown with The Rock at WrestleMania X8. Held at Toronto’s Skydome, the match was unforgettable for its electric atmosphere, intense face-off, and the crowd erupting as Hogan “hulked up,” creating a moment etched in wrestling history.

However, back in 2002, many in the wrestling world argued that the true dream match should have been Hogan vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. ‘The Texas Rattlesnake’ was the face of the Attitude Era, and played a massive role in WWE overtaking WCW during the Monday Night Wars. Moreover, he was the biggest star in wrestling since Hogan himself, making a clash between the two feel inevitable.

In fact, the match nearly happened. According to WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, it was actually Austin who turned down the dream bout. Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross revealed that the decision wasn’t about ego or creative control. It all came down to Austin’s concern over in-ring chemistry.

Oh, I know it’s true. I talked to Steve about it… He didn’t think they had chemistry. He thought the match would suck, and he wasn’t going to stand for having a suck, suck main event, especially at a WrestleMania. It wasn’t anything to do with the finish… It had to do with Steve. He wanted to have a great match, not just a good one. He simply thought he couldn’t get that done with Hogan.

Jim Ross via Grilling JR podcast

Ross explained that Austin didn’t want to waste a WrestleMania opportunity on a match he felt wouldn’t deliver. Interestingly, Ross himself believed that The Rock was a better fit for Hulk Hogan at that stage in his career.

Rock was more of an entertainer. And at that stage of Hogan’s career, he was an entertainer. Steve just had no confidence that the match would be good. It would let the fans down in his opinion.

Jim Ross via Grilling JR podcast

In hindsight, the call proved to be the right one. Hogan and the modern-day ‘Final Boss’ tore the house down in a match that, while not the night’s official main event, stole the show and remains one of WrestleMania’s most iconic moments. Meanwhile, Austin ended up facing Hogan’s nWo ally Scott Hall in a forgettable match on the same card.

Jim Ross reveals the difficulties of working with Hulk Hogan backstage during his second WWE tenure

In another personal revelation about Hogan, Jim Ross reflected upon a brutal aspect of the Hulkster’s wrestling career. Speaking on the same podcast episode, Ross offered high praise for his impact on the wrestling world, while also shedding light on the challenges of working with the Hulkster behind the scenes.

Ross didn’t hold back in acknowledging Hogan’s monumental place in wrestling history. However, despite his deep respect for Hogan’s legacy, Ross spoke candidly about the difficulties he encountered during Hogan’s 2002 return to WWE. 

Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan (via USA Today)

The greatest baby face in the history of the business… That’s a big statement, and it’s said with respect and admiration. I believe that….He didn’t trust anybody. He thought everybody had an ulterior motive and was out to get him.

Jim Ross via Grilling JR podcast

Ross described Hogan as “paranoid and insecure,” explaining how that mindset made day-to-day dealings especially difficult. The former WWE commentator even compared Hogan to another wrestling legend, Randy Savage, who was known for his intense personality behind the scenes.

He was certainly more concerned about the creative and how he was going to be used than the money he was offered. Savage is another guy, and he was a deluxe pain in the a*s to deal with, just because of his paranoia and his lack of trust. There was always an issue, always an angle, always an ulterior motive.

Jim Ross via Grilling JR podcast

Even with the behind-the-scenes tension, Ross made it clear that Hogan’s legacy as a pop culture icon and wrestling pioneer remains unquestionable. As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, it’s clear that Hogan’s influence on the industry will be remembered for generations, warts and all.

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