When “What If” decided to twist the expected once again, viewers were presented with a powerful scenario involving the Mech Avengers going head-to-head with the Hulk.
This episode did not waste any time pulling audiences into a version of Earth where human ingenuity meets raw gamma rage. What made it different from previous episodes was how it blended mechanical precision with emotional stakes, all packed into a storyline that felt tense from the very beginning.
Rather than focusing only on large battles and flashy tech, this installment gave a close look at what it means to take responsibility for a past that can no longer be undone. Bruce Banner’s personal burden remains heavy, even in this altered timeline, and that adds weight to every clash, every decision, and every moment of silence shared among these metallic versions of familiar heroes.
Even upgraded heroes can’t outrun regret (Photo: What If/Jenkins Entertainment and 10 West Studios)The Avengers in this storyline aren’t merely suited up in upgraded tech. Instead, they are fully integrated into advanced Mech bodies, created to handle threats that would overwhelm their standard forms. With Hulk becoming unstable and far more destructive than expected, they had no choice but to meet his strength with their own new brand of power.
Hulk’s Rage Was More Than Just Physical
This version of the Hulk brought something more intense than just brute force. It carried the emotional toll of a man stretched to his limit, betrayed by systems and people who once stood by him.
Banner had always fought his inner demons, but here, those demons had taken full control. The result was a version of the Hulk that could no longer be reasoned with.
The Mech Avengers did not approach him without preparation. Led by Tony Stark’s highly developed strategies and reinforced armour, the team worked like a well-structured machine.
Each member had a specific role, a particular type of firepower, and a measured plan of attack. Yet, even with all that effort and coordination, stopping the Hulk required more than weapons. It called for emotional understanding that machines could not fully grasp.
During their confrontation, it became clear that brute strength would not win the battle. Hulk tore through waves of defense as if they were made of paper, but the moment that caused everyone to pause came when he hesitated—when he saw something that reminded him of his humanity. It was Natasha’s voice, programmed into one of the Mech units. That single moment brought out a hesitation that was both painful and powerful to watch.
Stark’s Leadership and Regret Came to the Surface
The role Tony Stark played in this scenario was more than just leader of the team. He carried a deep sense of regret, having played a part in creating the conditions that led to Hulk’s outburst.
Though his intentions were meant to protect, they contributed to pushing Bruce into isolation. That conflict showed through his every command, even as he tried to hide it behind sarcasm and technical talk.
While the other Mech Avengers, like War Machine, Black Panther, and even a modified Vision, contributed their might to the effort, it was Tony’s personal guilt that drove the mission forward. His plan wasn’t only to neutralise the threat but also to give Bruce a chance at redemption—if that was still possible.
The decision to engage Hulk in a final standoff took place in a deserted part of the planet, one where damage could be controlled. The entire setup felt like a modern gladiator match, but with metal, memories, and unresolved emotions at its core. The team gave their best, yet it was evident from the first few exchanges that the Hulk had reached a level of strength they had underestimated.
Stark’s final command to lock the Mech units into a joint containment mode was a risky move. By synchronising all their energy outputs and mechanical functions, they formed a cage strong enough to hold Hulk, but at a high cost.
The sequence pushed their suits to the edge and required a full sacrifice of Stark’s core unit. His farewell message was brief, sincere, and left viewers with more questions than answers.
Emotional Wounds Held More Power Than Weapons
The most affecting scenes in this episode were not the explosions or the high-speed flights. They were the quiet seconds between battles, where characters revealed what they had lost. Even without words, their actions spoke volumes.
Hulk’s loudest battle was the one inside (Photo: What If/Jenkins Entertainment and 10 West Studios)Black Panther’s nod to a former ally, Vision’s silent calculation of loss, and War Machine’s brief moment of hesitation reminded viewers that inside the Mechs were still human hearts, still dealing with decisions they made under pressure.
One moment stood out when the Hulk, weakened and finally restrained, muttered Bruce’s voice—just a name, whispered into the silence: “Nat.” That short utterance told the audience that the man inside the beast had never truly disappeared. It showed that deep within the destruction, something of Bruce Banner remained, fighting to be seen, even when his body no longer listened to him.
This layered storytelling allowed for a different kind of ending. Instead of triumph or tragedy alone, it left space for thought. It asked questions without giving clear answers. Can humanity be maintained when technology takes over? Can forgiveness come when words are no longer possible? Can someone who’s broken so much still be healed?
By the final minutes, with the Mech Avengers carrying Bruce away in a dormant state, the silence said more than any line of dialogue could. Their victory was measured not by who was left standing, but by how much was left of them inside. Tony’s damaged core lay behind them, flickering faintly, almost like a heartbeat slowly fading.
Where to Watch the Episode Online
For those interested in watching this episode or rewatching it with fresh eyes, it is available for streaming. You can find it on Disney+, the official platform hosting the What If animated series.
The streaming quality is high, and subtitles are provided for accessibility. Whether you’re looking for action, emotional depth, or just want to see a different take on your favourite characters, this episode delivers something unexpected with every minute.
(Updated: Jun 24, 2025)
