Retro Wednesday: "The Most Anticipated Return Match"

This year, the Ultimate Warrior will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The former Intercontinental and WWE Champion has earned this achievement primarily based on his short-but-impactful tenure in the WWE. During the late eighties and early nineties, Warrior was the closest person to give Hulk Hogan a run for his money in the top babyface position.

For six years prior to WrestleMania 6, Hulk Hogan spent most of his time in WWE being world champion and overcoming tough giants that came in his path, such as Andre the Giant, King Kong Bundy, Akeem and the Big Bossman. Other than Randy Savage, there was no other person in the WWE who shared the same popularity as Hogan.

By 1990, the Ultimate Warrior was in his second reign as Intercontinental Champion, and his electric ring entrance, coupled with his face paint and flailing gestures, immediately made an impression to the WWE fans. As a result, Warrior was granted a WWE Championship match against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 6. To heighten his popularity even further, Warrior beat Hogan, and was ascending to be the next big name for the company.

Unfortunately, this did not last long. Hogan was given that spot again by default, and Warrior was not able to responsibly hold the company's top spot.

For some reason, eight years later, Eric Bischoff and the WCW felt as if there was still money in the Hogan/Warrior feud. What a mistake. A mistake that can not be erased. At Halloween Havoc in 1998, Hogan vs. Warrior II, coined "The Most Anticipated Return Match," transpired. Let's not talk too much about the "One Warrior Nation" storyline that already created a bad omen for the match at the PPV. However, the match itself is worth describing how awful it was.

Whether it be the frequent miscues, lack of actual wrestling maneuvers, or the fireball that failed to ignite, this match was by far one of the worst main events in WCW history. Warrior did not stay much longer after that debacle, and he'd even far overstayed his welcome by then.

Hopefully, we can see Hogan/Warrior on a more positive note come WrestleMania. Hulk Hogan will be the host, and Warrior is going in the Hall of Fame. No physical interaction, but a staredown, feeding off the crowd, and handshake would suffice. The Real Americans can even come out, interfere, and receive their finishers to bring an even greater level of nostalgia.

Whatever it may be, anything would be better than the last time we saw them together. Anything.

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