3 Most Humiliating Hulk Losses in the MCU I’ll Never Get Over

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In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s often Hulk who takes on the role of the Avengers’ heavyweight enforcer. During their first assembly in New York City, Captain America releases his monstrous ally onto the streets, instructing him simply to smash. On subsequent occasions, such as at the start of Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Hulk is deployed straight against the enemy when it’s necessary to secure the Mind Stone. Repeatedly, he is called upon to perform the tough tasks that he excels at. But for the Hulk, it’s not always a walk in the park, as he occasionally turns victories into defeats.

As a devoted fan, I’ve got to admit that since the Hulk made his grand entrance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe back in 2008, there have been a few occasions where our green giant hasn’t exactly shone like the Incredible Hulk we all know and love. Most of the time, these battles are grueling and intense, with Bruce Banner’s alter ego holding his head high even when he finds himself in the losing circle. However, there have been some moments that stand out as particularly tough for our favorite superhero. Here are three of the most humbling Hulk defeats within the MCU.

3) Fight Against the Hulkbuster (Avengers: Age of Ultron)

Following the occurrences in The Avengers, Banner and Tony Stark become particularly close, to the point where Stark leans on Banner for therapeutic support. During this time, they create a device to counteract the Hulk, called the Hulkbuster. This is an armored suit that Stark keeps in orbit as a precautionary measure, to be deployed if Banner loses control and endangers a city. An instance of this occurs in Avengers: Age of Ultron, when Wanda Maximoff interferes with Banner’s mind.

Following the identification of Johannesburg as the closest city, a transformed Hulk commences a destructive rampage that levels numerous significant buildings. Realizing his friend was spiraling out of control, Iron Man summons the Hulkbuster. Upon the suit’s arrival, it quickly gives the Hulk trouble. Although it wasn’t unexpected for the Hulk to lose to something his other half had a hand in creating, being defeated and knocked unconscious adds an embarrassing element to the fight.

2) Trying to Flex on the Ancient One (Avengers: Endgame)

In “Avengers: Endgame,” Hulk receives a fresh opportunity for existence. Skipping forward five years, Banner elects to inhabit the Hulk’s form, thus giving rise to a new entity called “Smart Hulk.” The advantage of wielding such immense power and intellect simultaneously is immeasurable, but Smart Hulk faces a setback when it comes time to battle due to the absence of his former rage.

During their time travel adventure, the Avengers’ goal is to secure the Time Stone, and it’s Smart Hulk’s task. Expecting an encounter with Doctor Strange, he instead meets The Ancient One, who remains the top sorcerer. Being skeptical of magic, Smart Hulk attempts to snatch the stone directly from The Ancient One’s neck, but ends up in his spiritual form instead. This confrontation with a Mystic Arts Master teaches Smart Hulk a valuable lesson: physical strength is not the most powerful force in the universe.

1) Thanos Lets Loose (Avengers: Infinity War)

In the opening scene of “Avengers: Infinity War,” Thanos launches a destructive attack on Thor’s ship, resulting in the tragic death of numerous Asgardians who had recently fled from their home’s demise. Despite his brother, Thor, being held captive by the Mad Titan, Loki remains unfazed and believes he possesses a secret advantage. Just as Thanos is about to claim the Space Stone, the Hulk suddenly emerges, ready to throw powerful punches.

During the fight, Hulk manages to maintain control for only a brief moment, but Thanos soon reverses the situation and delivers Hulk an unmatched thrashing. Unfortunately, Hulk is left defenseless as Thanos relentlessly pursues his objective – amassing all Infinity Stones and eradicating half of life across the universe. Following their encounter in the movie, Hulk chooses not to reappear, feeling humiliated by his previous defeat.

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2025-09-04 17:11