Top 15 WWE SummerSlam undercard matches

WWE (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images)
WWE (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 01: Hulk Hogan and Randy Orton attend the WrestleMania 30 press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe New York on April 1, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 01: Hulk Hogan and Randy Orton attend the WrestleMania 30 press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe New York on April 1, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage) /

2006: Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Orton

Ten years after Hulk Hogan did the unthinkable and joined the nWo during the heydey of the Monday Night Wars, he found himself back in WWE and in the crosshairs of Randy Orton. At this point, Orton was still a relatively young WWE Superstar. He was in the middle of his “Legend Killer” run, and was trying to add one of the biggest names in the history of sports to his list.

The crowd was very much pro-Hogan, but it didn’t deter Orton from going after Hulkamania at every opportunity. After missing a big high cross body from the top, it seemed as though Hogan was ready to end things. He went for his signature big boot, but Orton ducked under and hit a picture-perfect dropkick. He waited for Hogan to get back to his feet, and then delivered an RKO. He pinned Hogan, and the ref counted three. What he didn’t see was Hogan’s foot was on the bottom rope.

As Orton was celebrating, the referee realized what happened and ordered the match to continue. Enraged, Orton went back to continue his offense on Hogan. But he wasn’t expecting Hogan to “hulk up” as he had done so many times throughout his career. Hogan hit the big boot and then a leg drop on Orton, and pinned him for the victory.

It was a relatively short match, and it would prove to be Hogan’s final in WWE. He’s made various appearances since, but has not been in active competition.