Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Pays Tribute to WWE Legend Hulk Hogan Following His Death

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson paid heartfelt tribute to Hulk Hogan in a moving social media post, honoring the wrestling icon's legacy with personal memories, rare backstage stories, and a powerful message of gratitude following Hogan's passing.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson honored Hulk Hogan in an emotional tribute posted online following the wrestling icon's death, reflecting on a lifelong bond that began when Johnson was just a boy.

He recalled a moment from 1984 at Madison Square Garden, when Hogan, then headlining against Paul Orndorff, threw his signature headband into the crowd. A 12-year-old Johnson caught it — and later returned it to Hogan backstage, unaware that it was the last one the wrestler had.

Johnson said Hogan was "shocked and so happy" because he didn't have a replacement and vowed to get more made. A month later, Hogan fulfilled that promise, giving the young fan a Hulkster headband of his own and thanking him with a handshake. That gesture, Johnson said, meant everything to him as a child.

Years later, the two would face off at WrestleMania X8 in Toronto — a match Johnson described as pivotal not only for their careers, but for the history of professional wrestling. He said the moment was meant to determine "who would go down in history, as The Greatest of All Time."

The tribute featured a video clip of that legendary bout playing on an old television screen, invoking nostalgia for fans of the era. Johnson recalled how the energy in the arena reached an unprecedented level when Hogan kicked out of his signature Rock Bottom move.

"I've never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career," he wrote. "It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you."

Johnson emphasized that while Hogan may have "passed the torch" that night, it was Hogan who had drawn record crowds and helped shape the industry. "You sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way to becoming the greatest of all time."

Closing his tribute, Johnson expressed deep respect and appreciation for the man behind the legend, "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… Thank you, for the house. RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan."

It was Hogan who paved the way for more WWE greats to make a mark in the wrestling industry and beyond. From Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to John Cena, it was Hogan who made big leaps from the wrestling world, to Hollywood, and back.