Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has paid heartfelt tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away on October 19, 2023, at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest. Hogan’s death followed complications from post-neck surgery, leaving a profound impact on the wrestling community and fans worldwide.
In a moving post on Instagram, The Rock reflected on the influence Hogan had on his life, particularly during his formative years. “To millions of little kids, you were a childhood hero – myself included,” he wrote. Johnson reminisced about a memorable moment in 1984 when he caught Hogan’s iconic “HULKSTER” headband during a match at Madison Square Garden, where Hogan faced “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff in the main event.
“You were shocked and so happy after the match,” The Rock recalled, emphasizing the significance of that encounter. Hogan promised to send Johnson a headband of his own, which he delivered a month later, cementing a bond that would carry through their wrestling careers.
The two would later collide in one of WWE’s most celebrated matches at WrestleMania 18 in 2002, where The Rock triumphed over his childhood idol. This match is often considered a pivotal moment in wrestling history, showcasing a symbolic passing of the torch. Johnson reflected on that night, stating, “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.”
The atmosphere that night was electric, with fans rallying around Hogan. Johnson vividly described the moment Hogan kicked out of his signature “Rock Bottom” move, feeling the crowd’s immense energy.
Johnson acknowledged Hogan’s role in shaping the wrestling landscape, stating, “You may have ‘passed the torch’ to me that night, but you, my friend, drew the house.” Hogan’s ability to draw massive crowds helped pave the way for future wrestling stars like The Rock and John Cena to transition into successful acting careers.
Hogan’s contributions to pop culture extend beyond the ring, influencing generations of wrestlers and entertainers. The Rock concluded his tribute with a poignant message: “Thank you for the house, brother. Thank you for the house. RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan.”
This tribute from Dwayne Johnson not only highlights the personal connection he had with Hogan but also underscores the enduring legacy Hogan leaves behind in the world of professional wrestling.