Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joins the wrestling world in paying tribute to the late, great Hulk Hogan, who passed away of cardiac arrest at 71 years old on Thursday, following weeks of post-neck surgery health complications.
Remembering Hogan
In an Instagram tribute, The Rock shared how Hogan impacted his life. The Rock also shared the ring with Hogan for one of the biggest matches in wrestling history, as in 2002 at WrestleMania 18, they faced off with The Rock going over the legendary wrestler. The Rock posted the following:
“Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan 🕊️💐To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero – myself included. In 1984, I gave you your “HULKSTER” headband back, in the locker room in Madison Square Garden – I was the lucky kid caught it when you threw it in the crowd. You were wrestling “Mr Wonderful”, Paul Orndorff that night in the main event. 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. You promised me that you would get more made and give me a Hulkster headband of my own as a thank you gift.
A month later in Madison Square Garden, you did just that. You kept your word, with a handshake and a “thanks kid”. And that meant the world to that little 12 year old boy. 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. The match was to decide who would go down in history, as The Greatest of All Time.
The Pop
When you kick out of my Rock Bottom finisher – just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC… all for you. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career. It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you. 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…Thank you, for the house.RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan 🕊️ #goat 🎞️ @ thecarefreeworld @jonbrandoncruz”
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