DWAYNE “The Rock” Johnson has shared an emotional tribute to his late friend, WWE legend Hulk Hogan.
The Rock thanked Hogan, who died aged 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Florida home on Thursday.
Hulk Hogan and The Rock face off during WWE SmackDown in 2002[/caption]
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared a long tribute to Hulk Hogan following the 71-year-old’s death on Thursday[/caption]
The Rock is one of the biggest stars in WWE history.
The 53-year-old shared a lengthy tribute to Hogan on social media as he recalled two emotional stories between the two legends.
“Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan,” The Rock wrote on X.
Johnson first recounted returning Hulk‘s headband at Madison Square Garden after being the “lucky kid who caught it” in a match against Paul Orndorff in a 1984 main event.
“You were shocked and so happy after the match because you told me that was your very last headband and if weren’t for me, you’d have no way of getting that exact one made again,” he wrote.
“You promised me that you would get more made and give me a Hulkster headband of my own as a thank you gift.”
One month later, Hogan gave him the replica “Hulkster” headband, which “meant the world to that little 12 year old boy.”
The Rock also shared footage of his iconic 2002 WrestleMania match versus Hogan.
It’s worth noting that Hogan entered the match as the heel while The Rock was the good guy.
While The Rock won the match, he admits the crowd was all for Hulk, who was making his return to WWE.
“I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career,” he said.
The Rock then finished his tribute by writing, “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.
“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…
Hogan helped shape WWE and the wrestling world, thanks to singlehandedly carrying the sport in the 1980s[/caption]
“Thank you, for the house.
“RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan.”
Numerous stars have paid homage to the 12-time wrestling champion, including Ric Flair, ex-WWE chief Vince McMahon, and others.
Hogan is survived by his 46-year-old wife, Sky, and his daughter, Brooke, and son, Nick.
Hulk Hogan career timeline
1977: Made his professional wrestling debut.
1979: Joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and gained recognition.
1982: Appeared as “Thunderlips” in the film Rocky III, significantly boosting his mainstream exposure.
1984: Defeated The Iron Sheik to win his first WWF Championship, ushering in the “Hulkamania” era.
1985: Main evented the first-ever WrestleMania, teaming with Mr. T against Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.
1987: Slammed Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in one of wrestling’s most iconic moments.
1993: Departed WWF for World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
1996: Shocked the wrestling world by turning heel and forming the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash at Bash at the Beach, becoming “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan.
2001: Returned to WWE after WCW was acquired.
2002: Had a memorable match against The Rock at WrestleMania X8.
2005: Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
2005-2007: Starred in the reality TV show “Hogan Knows Best.”
2012: Had his last official televised match for TNA Impact, though he made sporadic appearances in WWE afterward.
2020: Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for a second time as a member of the nWo.
