Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has taken to social media to pay tribute to the legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71. Johnson shared heartfelt memories of his time in the ring with Hogan, reflecting on their iconic match at WrestleMania 18 in 2002.
In an emotional Instagram post on July 25, Johnson wrote, “Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan 🕊️💐.” He reminisced about the impact Hogan had on his life, stating, “To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero – myself included.” Johnson recounted a special moment from 1984 when he caught Hogan’s signature “HULKSTER” headband during a match at Madison Square Garden. This encounter left a lasting impression on the young Johnson, who was just a fan at the time.
The Rock vividly described how Hogan, after the match, promised to gift him a headband of his own, a promise that he fulfilled a month later. “You kept your word, with a handshake and a ‘thanks kid.’ And that meant the world to that little 12-year-old boy,” Johnson reflected.
Fast forward to 2002, Johnson, now a top star in WWE, faced Hogan in one of the most anticipated matches in wrestling history. “Just 17 years later, and still a kid at the age of 29 years old — I’m standing in the middle of the ring and facing you – one of my wrestling heroes in the main event of WRESTLEMANIA,” he recalled. The match, which was billed as “icon versus icon,” showcased the electric atmosphere of the crowd, filled with nostalgia and admiration for Hogan.
Johnson highlighted a pivotal moment in their match when Hogan kicked out of his signature move, the Rock Bottom. “Just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC… all for you. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career,” he said, emphasizing the collective energy that Hogan brought to the ring.
The news of Hogan’s passing on July 24 sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and beyond. Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Johnson’s tribute was one of many from fellow wrestlers and celebrities who shared their condolences and memories of the wrestling icon.
In his heartfelt message, Johnson acknowledged Hogan’s monumental legacy in professional wrestling. “You may have ‘passed the torch’ to me that night, but you, my friend… you ‘drew the house’ meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time,” he wrote.
He concluded his tribute with a powerful message of gratitude: “From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and crazy world of professional wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and forever… Thank you for the house, brother… Thank you, for the house.”
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea in August 1953, began his professional wrestling career in 1977 and rose to fame after joining the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1983. He became one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture, helping to elevate wrestling to global prominence during the 1980s.
As fans and fellow wrestlers continue to mourn Hogan’s passing, Johnson’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that Hogan had on the lives of many, both in and out of the wrestling ring. The legacy of Hulk Hogan will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations of wrestlers and fans alike.