Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has paid a heartfelt tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan following his death from cardiac arrest at the age of 71.
Johnson, who grew up idolising Hogan, shared emotional memories of their first meeting in 1984. 12-year-old Johnson caught Hogan’s famous ‘Hulkster’ headband at Madison Square Garden.
HULK HOGAN AND ‘THE ROCK’
The Rock returned the headband backstage, an act that left Hogan “shocked and so happy” because it was his last one of its kind.
Hogan promised to make more and later gave Johnson his headband, a gesture Johnson said “meant the world to that little 12-year-old boy”.
Seventeen years later, Johnson faced Hogan in the iconic WrestleMania X8 main event in 2002, a match still celebrated among wrestling fans worldwide, according to Entertainment Tonight.
LOVE FOR HOGAN
Johnson described the experience as unparalleled in his career.
“I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career,” he said. The match electrified the Toronto stadium crowd.
Hogan and The Rock delivered an unforgettable performance that showcased their mutual respect and skill.
Johnson called Hogan “the greatest of all time” and expressed gratitude for the torch Hogan passed to him.
“From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and crazy world of professional wrestling that we love… thank you for the house, brother”.
HULK HOGAN’S LEGACY
Hulk Hogan’s impact was monumental. He helped elevate professional wrestling to global prominence in the 1980s and 1990s.
He attracted huge audiences and inspired generations of wrestlers. This included Johnson, whose own wrestling persona ‘The Rock’ has become a global icon.
Hogan’s passing has been mourned by fans and fellow wrestlers alike, including in South Africa, where wrestling enjoys a vibrant and passionate following.
His charisma and showmanship continue to resonate with fans who grew up watching the spectacle of wrestling on television.
A WRESTLING ICON
The Rock’s journey from a star-struck boy in New York to a Hollywood megastar and WWE legend illustrates Hogan’s lasting legacy across continents.
As Johnson said in his tribute: “To millions of little kids, you were a childhood hero, myself included”.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy will live on. His matches, larger-than-life persona, and kindness to young fans like Johnson endure.
Hogan’s legacy, celebrated through Johnson’s words and their historic match, continues to echo globally.
WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES OF HULK HOGAN AS A WRESTLING ICON?
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