Hulk Hogan revealed he would have ended his wrestling career at WrestleMania 18 if given the chance to rewrite his legacy.
The comments feature in the new Hulk Hogan: Real American Netflix documentary, filmed in the months before Hogan’s death in July 2025, where he reflected on his career and the years that followed his iconic match with The Rock.
“If I could reset it… I would change everything to end at WrestleMania 18,” Hogan said.
The match, held in Toronto in 2002, saw Hogan face The Rock in one of the most memorable encounters in WrestleMania history. Originally positioned as the villain, Hogan received overwhelming support from the crowd, forcing both men to adjust during the bout.
“I realised they were cheering me instead of him,” Hogan said.
Although The Rock won the match, the moment revitalised Hogan’s career and led to another run at the top of WWE, including a further reign as champion.
Despite that success, Hogan suggested the period marked the peak of his legacy, noting he would undo much of what came after, including the personal and professional challenges that followed.
Hulk Hogan Thought He Should Have Left The Wrestling Business In 1990
Hulk Hogan also admitted he may have stayed in the business longer than he should have, stating he should have retired as early as 1990, likely after his WrestleMania VI match against The Ultimate Warrior.
“I actually should have quit back about ’90,” Hogan said, adding that he continued returning to wrestling despite knowing his physical limitations.
The documentary also highlights the toll his career took on his body, with Hogan expressing regret over continuing to use his leg drop finisher for decades.
