The Rock's emotional tribute to Hulk Hogan leaves fans in tears

Express Tribune

25-07-2025

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has shared a powerful and emotional tribute to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who has died at the age of 71. While tributes poured in from across the wrestling world, Johnson's message stood out for its deeply personal tone, tracing a bond that began long before he entered the ring.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Johnson recounted how Hogan became a hero to him as a young boy. He remembered catching Hogan's signature 'Hulkster' headband at Madison Square Garden in 1984 during a main event match against Paul Orndorff. After the match, Johnson returned the headband to Hogan in the locker room. To his surprise, Hogan revealed it had been his last one and promised the young fan he'd get more made. True to his word, Hogan sent Johnson a fresh set weeks later.
'That meant the world to that little 12-year-old boy,' Johnson wrote. But the story didn't end there.
Seventeen years later, that same boy stood in the ring as a global superstar, facing off against Hogan in the main event of WrestleMania. Johnson reflected on the moment when Hogan kicked out of his finishing move, saying the roar of the crowd was unlike anything he'd ever heard. 'That historic crowd reaction was all for you,' he wrote, adding, 'Thank you for the house, brother.'
Johnson's tribute captured more than just nostalgia. It told a story of admiration, respect, and a passing of the torch between two of wrestling's greatest showmen. Fans responded with tears and gratitude, praising Johnson for sharing such a raw and sincere memory in the wake of Hogan's death.
While the official cause of death remains undisclosed, Hogan's legacy continues through the memories of those he inspired, none more striking than The Rock's.