The Rock Honors Hulk Hogan in Heartfelt Tribute Following Legend’s Death
In a sorrowful moment for wrestling fans worldwide, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson paid tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday. The Rock took to social media to share a touching message.
“Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan,” he wrote alongside a nostalgic video from their iconic WrestleMania 18 match in 2002. The Rock reflected on Hogan’s profound impact on his life and the wrestling industry, describing him as a childhood hero. "To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero – myself included," he stated.
Hogan not only helped elevate the wrestling world to new heights but also pioneered the crossover from wrestling to Hollywood. Before he became "Hollywood Hogan," he starred in films like “No Holds Barred” and “Suburban Commando.” The Rock, who found monumental success in wrestling during WWE’s Attitude Era and later became one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, credits Hogan for paving the way.
During their WrestleMania matchup, which marked Hogan’s return to the event after nearly a decade, The Rock recalled the electric crowd reaction that took place when Hogan kicked out of his finishing move. “It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you,” he reminisced.
Hogan himself praised The Rock during a 2023 interview, recognizing his unique presence and wrestling heritage. Their bond was evident during their last encounter in the ring at WrestleMania 30, where they were joined by Stone Cold Steve Austin in a memorable celebration of their legacies.
In a heartfelt conclusion, The Rock expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you for the house, brother…” echoing the deep impact Hogan had on professional wrestling and his fans.
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