Hulk Hogan dead: The Rock pays emotional tribute following WWE legend's passing as Hollywood star recalls incredible first encounter with his hero aged just 12

Daily Mail​

25-07-2025

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has paid a heartfelt tribute to his 'childhood hero' Hulk Hogan after his death.
The WWE star-turned-actor took an extended dive down memory lane and recalled their legendary clash at WrestleMania 18 in 2002, where he beat Hogan in the 'Icon vs. Icon' main attraction.
Hogan died aged 71 on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
The Rock and Hulkster appear to have had a friendly relationship down the years and his father even fought Hogan.
Johnson, 53, posted a video of his clash with Hogan on Instagram and wrote: 'Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan. To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero - myself included.
'In 1984, I gave you your 'HULKSTER' headband back, in the locker room in Madison Square Garden - I was the lucky kid [who] caught it when you threw it in the crowd. You were wrestling 'Mr Wonderful',' Paul Orndorff that night in the main event.
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Dwayne Johnson has paid an emotional tribute to WWE legend and his old rival Hulk Hogan
'You were shocked and so happy after the match because you told me that was your very last headband and if it weren't for me, you'd have no way of getting that exact one made again. You promised me that you would get more made and give me a Hulkster headband of my own as a thank you gift.
'A month later in Madison Square Garden, you did just that. You kept your word, with a handshake and a 'thanks kid'. And that meant the world to that little 12 year old boy.
'Just 17 years later, and still a kid at the age of 29 years old — I'm standing in the middle of the ring and facing you - one of my wrestling heroes in the main event of WRESTLEMANIA.
'The match was to decide who would go down in history, as The Greatest of All Time.
'When you kick out of my Rock Bottom finisher - just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC… all for you. I've never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career. It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you.
'You may have 'passed the torch' to me that night, but you, my friend… you ''drew the house,' meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the Greatest of All Time.
'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.'
Hogan pictured alongside Donald Trump in Atlantic City in 1987. Hogan would become one of Trump's biggest supporters throughout his three runs for President of the United States.
Within minutes of the news of his death trickling through, fans and sports stars paid tribute to the man who transcended wrestling to become a 1980s pop culture icon.
Donald Trump Jr posted to X, 'R.I.P to a legend' and added a selfie of himself with the wrestling star.
Fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair wrote, 'I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me.
'He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn't Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!'
The official X account from the WWE said, 'WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans.'
Former WWE president Vince McMahon posted a lengthy statement: 'The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world.
'He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon. His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled - and made him the consumate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.
'He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, "Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers." Today, we pray for him.'
Kevin Nash, the last surviving member of the infamous 'NWO', posted, 'I lost another brother. Icon doesn't even touch it. Rest in power my friend. NWO 4 life....and beyond'.
Flair's daughter, former WWE women's world champion Charlotte Flair also posted a tribute: 'When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.'
Another wrestler who shared the ring with Hogan, Jake 'The Snake' Roberts, posted, 'It's hard to put into words what Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea meant to professional wrestling and entertainment. He may be gone, but his memory and legacy will live forever. RIP Hulkster'.