What If.....Hulk Hogan Went to ECW? Chapter Two: The Main Event Era (July-December 1994)

As the summer of 1994 wore on, Hulk Hogan's ECW career continued to gain momentum. He had established himself as a top player in the promotion, feuding with the likes of Shane Douglas and Sabu. The ECW fans, known for their passion and dedication, had taken to Hogan, appreciating his willingness to adapt to their unique style.

On July 16, 1994, Hogan participated in a pivotal match at the Heat Wave event, held at the ECW Arena. Teaming with The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer, Hogan clashed with Terry Funk, Arn Anderson, and Bobby Eaton in a hardcore six-man tag-team match. The bout was a wild, unpredictable affair, featuring a series of near-falls, reversals, and brutal spots. In the end, Hogan's team emerged victorious, with The Sandman pinning Eaton after a vicious cane smash.

The win over Funk's team marked a turning point in Hogan's ECW career. He had solidified his position as a top contender, and his matches were consistently drawing huge crowds. ECW owner Tod Gordon and booker Paul Heyman took notice, beginning to build towards a potential world title match between Hogan and Shane Douglas.

As the summer gave way to fall, Hogan's feud with Douglas reached a boiling point. The two men had been trading victories and insults for months, and the tension between them was palpable. On September 17, 1994, Hogan faced off against Douglas in a non-title match at the Hardcore Heaven event. The bout was an intense, hard-hitting affair, with both men giving it their all. In the end, Hogan emerged victorious, pinning Douglas after a thunderous leg drop.

The win over Douglas set the stage for a world title match, and ECW delivered. On October 7, 1994, Hogan faced off against Douglas for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship at the NWA World Title Tournament event. The match was a chaotic, action-packed affair, with both men trading near-falls and showing off their incredible athleticism. In the end, Hogan's experience and power proved too much for Douglas, as he pinned the Franchise to become the new ECW World Heavyweight Champion.

Hogan's reign as champion marked a new era for ECW. He defended the title against the likes of Sabu, The Sandman, and Cactus Jack, consistently delivering thrilling matches. The ECW fans were electrified, knowing that they had a champion who was willing to push the limits and take risks.

On November 5, 1994, Hogan defended the title against Sabu at the November to Remember event. The match was a wild, unpredictable affair, featuring a series of near-falls and brutal spots. Sabu's suicidal dives and Hogan's thunderous leg drops made for a thrilling combination, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats as the two men battled for supremacy. In the end, Hogan's experience and power proved too much for Sabu, as he retained the title with a leg drop.

As the year ended, Hogan's ECW career was going strong. He had established himself as one of the top champions in the promotion's history, and his matches were consistently delivering on the promise of high-energy entertainment. The stage was set for a thrilling 1995, with Hogan's title reign sure to be filled with action, drama, and excitement. Little did the ECW fans know that the best was yet to come, as Hogan's journey as champion was about to take a dramatic turn.