Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson Mourns Hulk Hogan In Heartfelt Tribute About His Legendary Career
In an emotional Instagram post, Johnson paired a video of their iconic 2002 "WrestleMania" match with a lengthy, heartfelt caption, thanking Hogan for the immeasurable impact he had on his career and the sport of professional wrestling.
Dwayne' The Rock' Johnson Remembers Hulk Hogan With An Emotional Tribute
"Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan," Johnson began the caption of his post, which featured a video of their legendary "Icon vs. Icon" faceoff at "WrestleMania 18." He added, "To millions of little kids, you were a childhood hero - myself included."'
Johnson went on, recalling the time he caught Hogan's "HULKSTER" headband, which he launched into the crowd during an event at Madison Square Garden in 1984, before returning it to the wrestler later that day.
"You were shocked and so happy after the match because you told me that was your very last headband, and if it weren't for me, you'd have no way of getting that exact one made again," Johnson added.
According to Johnson, Hogan "promised" to give him one of his own once he had more made at a later date. "A month later in Madison Square Garden, you did just that. You kept your word, with a handshake and a 'thanks, kid,'" he wrote.
However, Johnson had no idea that their brief interaction would be just the beginning of his relationship with the wrestling champion.
Johnson Remembers Hogan Passing The Torch To Him During Their 'Icon Vs. Icon' Match
"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,'" Johnson wrote online, explaining that the match "was to decide who would go down in history as The Greatest of All Time."
Johnson recalled Hogan kicking out of his "Rock Bottom finisher" and feeling the crowd "go ELECTRIC."
"I've never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career," he continued, adding, "It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you."
Johnson Hints That WWE's Success Belongs To Hulk Hogan
Johnson argued that despite Hogan passing "the torch" to him after their "WrestleMania" match, the success of the WWE could be credited to the wrestling icon.
"... 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," Johnson posted.
"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," he continued. "Thank you for the house, brother... Thank you for the house."
He finished, "RIP Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan."
Fans Remember Hulk Hogan's Legacy With Johnson On Social Media
Johnson's message resonated with fans, as many flooded his comment section with emotional posts of their own.
"Blink 182, Linkin Park, WWF, Hogan, the Rock, Stone Cold, Kane, Undertaker," someone commented. "That's my childhood."
Others wrote about Johnson and Hogan's "Icon vs. Icon" match, calling it one of the "greatest" of all time.
Another user shared, "I remember this match as well as many others, like it was just yesterday."
Other Wrestling Legends Share Their Tributes To Hogan
And Johnson isn't the only WWE legend sharing tributes to Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 inside his Florida home after going into cardiac arrest.
Ric Flair shared that he was "absolutely shocked" by the news, explaining that Hogan "has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business."
The 76-year-old called Hogan an "incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!"
"Our friendship has meant the world to me," Flair added. "He was always there for me, even when I didn't ask for him to be."
Charlotte Flair also shared a heartfelt tribute, noting that when her father almost passed away nearly 10 years ago, Hogan was "one of the few people" who showed up for her. "My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke," she wrote, adding, "Rest in peace, brother."
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