Would the Normal Hulk Have Been Able to Wield the Infinity Gauntlet Effectively in Avengers: Endgame?

In Avengers: Endgame, the effectiveness of the Hulk in wielding the Infinity Gauntlet is closely tied to his mental state and emotional control. Professor Hulk, a fusion of Bruce Banner's intellect and the Hulk's strength, is depicted as having the best of both worlds: Banner's intelligence and the Hulk's physical power. If the Hulk were just the normal Hulk and not Professor Hulk, would he have been able to manipulate the gauntlet effectively and intelligently to reverse the snap?

Cognitive Control and Emotional State

The normal Hulk is characterized as having a more primal, rage-driven mindset. This is in stark contrast to the strategic and calculated approach required to harness the complex and powerful Infinity Stones. The gauntlet demands a high level of cognitive control, precise maneuvers, and a focused mental state. These traits are prerequisites for effectively wielding the gauntlet and using its power to its fullest potential. A Hulk driven by mere instinct and rage would struggle to maintain the necessary mental alignment to perform intricate tasks and to think strategically.

Physical Limitations and the Tertiary Gauntlet's Demands

While the Hulk's physical strength is unmatched, the gauntlet itself is a taxing device. The physical toll of wielding the gauntlet is evident even for someone as powerful as Thor, who exerted himself to the extreme limits. The Hulk, despite his immense strength, might not have the finesse needed to manage the gauntlet's energy without significant risk to himself. The combination of the Hulk's brutal force and the gauntlet's intricate nature could lead to a dangerous and imprecise application of power, making it highly unlikely for the normal Hulk to wield the gauntlet effectively.

Emotional Stability and Decision-Making

The emotional stability provided by Professor Hulk is crucial in maintaining the required level of composure and decision-making. Banner's intellect and control over the Hulk's rage ensure that he can focus on the task at hand and make the necessary decisions. In contrast, the normal Hulk's rage could interfere with his ability to focus, potentially leading to hasty and destructive actions. Professor Hulk's dual mind allows for a more balanced and strategic approach, making him a far more suitable candidate for the complex and critical task of manipulating the Infinity Stones.

A Hulk Emergent Post-Snap

The necessity of the merged Hulk cannot be overstated. Although the previous Hulk had the physical strength to withstand the force of the snap, he lacked the mental acumen to control the gauntlet. Banner's intellect was essential in knowing precisely what to ask of the stones. If Banner tried to manipulate the stones, the snapped state would manifest in his body, making the snap impossible. This is because the snap is a sudden and violent event that requires both physical and mental fortitude to withstand and reverse.

Therefore, the Hulk needed to emerge as a singular, stable entity—Professor Hulk—for the "unsnappening" to succeed. The merged Hulk provided the necessary mental stability, physical resilience, and strategic acumen required to manipulate the gauntlet and reverse the catastrophic events caused by the snap.

While the normal Hulk possesses remarkable strength, his lack of cognitive control and emotional stability is a significant hindrance in executing the precise and intricate task of reversing the snap.