Marvel Is Finally Building To Hulk vs. Wolverine - But There"s A Catch

After years of anticipation, a Marvel Comics clash of the ages could come to the Marvel Cinematic Universe through Phase 5, albeit with a specific caveat. One of the greatest match-ups in Marvel Comics history has been the numerous battles between Wolverine and Hulk. With both characters also being prevalent in various franchises for the better part of two decades, there's been a high demand for a live-action adaptation of their rivalry.
Now that the MCU is heading into Phase 5 - the second Phase of the Multiverse Saga - the setup of Wolverine vs. Hulk is evident in various ways. While it's true that only one of these characters - the Hulk - has a presence in the MCU, Marvel has alluded to Wolverine being on hand as well. Teases in projects like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law lay the groundwork for him to be introduced on Earth-616. Alternatively, a multiversal Wolverine could join via Deadpool 3. However, this foreshadowing of Hulk vs. Wolverine comes with a rather significant catch.
The Real Hulk vs. Wolverine Likely Cannot Happen In The MCU Now Wolverine may fight a Hulk in the MCU, but that character is unlikely to be Mark Ruffalo's version. Avengers: Endgame revealed that Hulk became Smart Hulk in the five-year gap after Thanos' blip. Banner combined both parts of his personality, so that he could keep his own rage in check by employing his own mind inside Hulk's body. This means that Hulk is no longer the giant rage monster he was in Phases 1-3, thus lowering his chances of fighting Wolverine in the MCU's future.