Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Honors Hulk Hogan’s Legacy with Emotional Tribute
In an emotional post on social media, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson paid heartfelt tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who died at the age of 71 this week. Johnson, who himself is a WWE icon, expressed deep admiration and gratitude for the impact Hogan had on his career and his life. He recounted their iconic 1984 meeting at Madison Square Garden, when he was still a young boy, and how it shaped the direction of his journey in professional wrestling.
Johnson shared stories of how Hogan gave him his cherished headband after their match, a moment that became a turning point for both of them. This symbolic gesture, Johnson said, not only marked the beginning of his own career but also deepened the bond between the two legends. The headband, which was Hogan’s last one, became a treasured keepsake for Johnson and inspired him to carry forward Hogan’s legacy in his own way.
He also reminisced about their legendary match at WrestleMania X8, a match that was to decide who would go down in history as The Greatest of All Time. Johnson highlighted the electric crowd reaction following Hogan’s near-fall from his Rock Bottom finisher, a moment that he described as unforgettable. WWE paid tribute to Hogan with a 10-bell salute on the SmackDown! show, with current superstars and former opponents paying homage to his illustrious career.
The tribute included highlights of Hogan’s decorated wrestling career, as well as his ventures in entertainment beyond the ring. Fans and fellow wrestlers celebrated his contributions to the world of professional wrestling, with the crowd erupting in chants of ‘Hogan! Hogan!’ after the video segment concluded. Johnson’s tribute, along with the WWE’s homage, emphasized the lasting impact Hogan had on the sport and the next generation of wrestling stars.