Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has paid heartfelt tribute to his childhood hero, Hulk Hogan, who passed away on March 28, 2024, at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest following complications from neck surgery. In a touching post on Instagram, Johnson reflected on how Hogan influenced his life and career, paving the way for him to become a crossover superstar in both wrestling and Hollywood.
In his tribute, Johnson recalled the moment he caught Hogan’s iconic “HULKSTER” headband during a match at Madison Square Garden in 1984. He wrote, “You were a childhood hero – myself included.” The Rock highlighted the significance of that encounter, where Hogan promised to send him a headband 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,” he added.
Hogan and Johnson later faced off in a historic match at WrestleMania 18 in 2002. For Johnson, defeating his idol in such a significant event was a pivotal moment. “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 remembered.
The match, which is celebrated as one of the most famous in WWE history, showcased their chemistry and the electric atmosphere created by the audience. Johnson recalled the moment Hogan kicked out of his signature move, the Rock Bottom, and the crowd’s overwhelming reaction. “It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you,” he stated.
Hogan’s influence extended beyond the wrestling ring. His pop culture superstardom in the 1980s opened doors for future generations of wrestlers, including Johnson and John Cena, to pursue successful acting careers. Johnson emphasized Hogan’s lasting impact on the wrestling world, saying, “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.”
The phrase “Thank you for the house” signifies Hogan’s ability to draw massive crowds and sell out arenas across the country, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Johnson concluded his tribute with a poignant farewell: “RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan.”
In a world where the lines between wrestling and mainstream entertainment continue to blur, Hulk Hogan’s legacy will remain a foundational part of professional wrestling’s rich history, inspiring countless performers who follow in his footsteps.
