Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson lastly broke his silence on the passing of Hulk Hogan. At precisely 2:00 AM on July 25, The Rock posted a robust message, together with a video clip from their iconic WrestleMania match, remembering his childhood hero and their unforgettable bond that spanned a long time.
The tribute opened with a touching reminiscence from 1984, when a 12-year-old Dwayne caught Hogan’s final “HULKSTER” headband throughout a match at Madison Sq. Backyard.
“In 1984, I gave you your ‘HULKSTER’ headband again, within the locker room in Madison Sq. Backyard — I used to be the fortunate child caught it once you threw it within the crowd.”
Hogan advised him that was his closing headband and promised to get extra made—then fulfilled that promise only a month later.
“A month later in Madison Sq. Backyard, you probably did simply that. You saved your phrase, with a handshake and a ‘thanks child.’ And that meant the world to that little 12 12 months outdated boy.”
Years later, the 2 legends would conflict in the principle occasion of WrestleMania, in a match that also echoes by way of wrestling historical past.
“Simply 17 years later, and nonetheless a child on the age of 29 years outdated — I’m standing in the midst of the ring and going through you — one in all my wrestling heroes in the principle occasion of WRESTLEMANIA.”
Recalling the second Hogan kicked out of the Rock Backside, The Rock admitted nothing in his profession ever in comparison with the group response that erupted.
“Simply hear and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC… all for you. I’ve by no means felt something like that in my total wrestling profession.”
And whereas many keep in mind that match because the second The Rock turned the face of the corporate, he made positive to offer Hogan full credit score for carrying the business.
“You could have ‘handed the torch’ to me that evening, however you, my good friend… you ‘drew the home’ which means you bought out each area and stadium throughout the nation in your prime as Hulk Hogan.”
Closing the message with the phrases that solely somebody raised within the enterprise would actually perceive, The Rock wrote:
“From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and loopy world {of professional} wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and endlessly… Thanks for the home, brother… Thanks, for the home.”
This wasn’t only a tribute—it was a private thanks from a fan-turned-peer to the person who impressed a era.
How do you bear in mind Hulk Hogan’s legacy? What second from his profession nonetheless lives rent-free in your thoughts? Drop your ideas and tributes within the feedback under.