Why is Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan at SummerSlam 2005 considered one of the worst matches ever in WWE?

The two biggest superstars of their generations failed to create an iconic match when they faced each other in 2005.

Why is Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan at SummerSlam 2005 considered one of the worst matches ever in WWE?

Shawn Michaels super kicking Hulk Hogan (via Twitter)

Shawn Michaels and Hulk Hogan both had remarkable careers and are counted among the greatest of all time by many fans and wrestlers alike. Both men have won the WWE Championship multiple times in their careers. Moreover, they have wrestled in the main event of WrestleMania numerous times. Hogan ruled WWE in the 1980s, while Michaels hid his popularity in the late 1990s and 2000s.

Therefore, when the chance to have the two legends clash appeared in WWE, the match was inevitable. However, when the two actually got into the same ring together, it was a disaster. Egos clashed as the feud had multiple changes made by Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels because they wanted to get an upper hand over each other. Due to these reasons, the match itself is considered to be one of the worst matches in the careers of both men and, consequently, in WWE.

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During the match, Shawn Michaels would turn on the match as he kept overselling every punch or attack by Hogan. Therefore, with every punch, Shawn would fly around the ring and bounce like a ball. This seemed to have irritated the Hulkster, as it was visible that he was pi**ed off at HBK. Hulk Hogan defeated Shawn Michaels in the main event of the show.

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This was the only time the two faced each other. It is rumored that this was supposed to be a three-match feud, but the WWE legend did not want to face Shawn Michaels again and was content with his victory. Hulk Hogan retired from wrestling soon after the match. On the other hand, HBK wrestled his final match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26 in 2010, although he came back later for a match.

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Shawn Michaels turned heel for his program against Hulk Hogan

Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels (via Twitter)

When the iconic match between Shawn Michaels and Hulk Hogan was announced, both men were babyfaces. Therefore, fans were excited to see the two biggest faces of the company face each other at SummerSlam in 2005. However, during the buildup, HBK turned heel for a short time, so Hogan could be the only face in the feud.

This was the only time Michaels turned heel in his second run in the WWE. However, this heel turn gave rise to some memorable moments for the fans. HBK did a couple of promos during the buildup targeting Hogan and other beloved superstars. One such memorable promo came when WWE went to Montreal for an episode of RAW.

This was the first time that Michaels was in Montreal after the Montreal Screwjob. Therefore, he decided to go all in with the vile antics and mock Bret Hart, who was the most popular star from Montreal back then. This promo also gave the iconic catchphrase “Who’s Your Daddy, Montreal!” as Michaels mocked the fans while the audience rained thunderous boos on him.

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