Latest news with #WrestleMania18
Pink Villa
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Dwayne Johnson recalls childhood encounter with Hulk Hogan in moving farewell: ‘I've never felt anything like that…'
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson took to Instagram with a tribute today, July 25, that hit wrestling fans straight in the chest. In a post packed with throwback vibes and raw emotion, Johnson honored Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life icon who passed away on Thursday at the age of 71. Alongside a video of their legendary WrestleMania 18 match playing on an old-school box TV, Johnson walked fans through a full-circle moment that began when he was just a kid with a front-row seat to history and ended with him sharing the ring with his childhood hero. From headband to headliner Before he was The Rock, 12-year-old Dwayne Johnson was just another kid in the crowd at Madison Square Garden. That night in 1984, he caught Hogan's 'HULKSTER' headband and gave it back to him backstage. Hogan was stunned, as it had been his last one: '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.' The wrestler-turned-actor revealed that Hogan had also promised his young self a thank-you gift in return. A month after the event, Hogan kept his promise: he handed young Johnson his own headband with a smile and a 'thanks, kid.' Seventeen years later, they were face-to-face in the ring at WrestleMania. 'Still a kid at the age of 29,' Johnson wrote, remembering the electricity when Hogan kicked out of his Rock Bottom finisher. 'I've never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career.' A torch passed, but a legacy cemented The Rock made it clear: Hogan did not just pass the torch—he lit the whole arena. 'You drew the house,' Johnson wrote, nodding to Hogan's unmatched star power. 'You sold out every arena and stadium across the country.' '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…,' he closed, 'thank you for the house, brother... Thank you for the house.'
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘He was a true legend': Tributes pour in for WWE icon Hulk Hogan
The legendary wrestler passed away on Thursday at the age of 71. Tributes are continuing to pour in for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) icon Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea. The legendary wrestler reportedly passed away on Thursday at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest. WWE co-founder Vince McMahon described Hogan as the greatest WWE superstar of all time. 'He was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer – the first performer to transition from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon. 'His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience, whom he appreciated, respected, and loved,' he added. NOW READ: 'He was black TV royalty': Tributes pour in for Malcolm-Jamal Warner after drowning in Costa Rica Tributes pour in for Hulk Hogan WWE fans and stars have since shared their tributes on social media, paying their respects to the legend. WWE superstar Kane said he was a true legend. 'Hulk Hogan was a true legend. I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I'd practised it in the mirror a thousand times growing up.' Hulk Hogan was a true legend. I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I'd practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up. #RIPHULKHOGAN — Kane (@KaneWWE) July 24, 2025 Here are more reactions from X, formerly Twitter. The biggest crowd pop of all time! Hulk Hogan "Hulks Up" at WrestleMania 18 vs The Rock.#RIPHulkHogan — 2000's WWE (@2000s_WWE) July 24, 2025 I am so sad right now. @HulkHogan is gone and this just sucks. He is on my Mount Rushmore in wrestling. Along with Rick Flair, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels. @WWE I can't wait to see the tribute you make for the #Hulkster #RipHulkHogan — john geary (@johnguk) July 24, 2025 I can't believe it! I was just looking at him the other day thinking how healthy and fit he looks for 71. Rest in peace to legend! I grew up with youas a kid, I think everyone who was an 80s child did… just wow. #RIPHulkHogan 🙏🏻 — Daniel Goddard (@DanielGoddard) July 24, 2025 NOW READ: Netflix collaborates with Gauteng Film Commission and the KZN Tourism and Film Authority in the upskilling of young creatives
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
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
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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock) 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 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'.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan immortalised the 'Leg Drop' into an iconic move
WWE legend Hulk Hogan , who died on Thursday (July 24) at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest, turned the simple 'Leg Drop' into one of the most iconic finishing moves in wrestling history. Though basic in execution, the move became legendary thanks to Hogan's unmatched charisma and showmanship. After delivering his signature big boot, fans knew what came next - the devastating leg drop that often sealed victory. ALSO READ - From Terry Bollea to Hulk Hogan: The story behind wrestling's biggest icon name Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science Public Policy Cybersecurity Technology MCA Leadership PGDM Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics Product Management others Finance CXO Digital Marketing Degree Design Thinking Project Management Management healthcare Others Healthcare Data Science MBA Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details The iconic leg drop wasn't just a finishing move - it was a performance. Before delivering it, Hogan would often pause, cup his ear to the roaring crowd, and soak in their reaction before delivering the move. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Hogan's leg drop became a symbol of wrestling's golden era and remains etched in the memories of fans around the world. Live Events The leg drop is one of the simplest yet most enduring moves in professional wrestling, used by countless legends over the years. But no one is more synonymous with it than WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. His running leg drop, often delivered after a thunderous big boot, became the signature finish of his red-and-yellow, all-American hero persona. It helped him secure countless victories and create some of wrestling's most unforgettable moments. — WWE (@WWE) From his shocking heel turn in 1996 - when he betrayed Randy Savage with a leg drop to join the New World Order (nWo) - to his electric showdown with The Rock at WrestleMania 18 , Hogan's leg drop always carried weight. Ironically, Hogan lost his final WWE title of the 1990s to a leg drop - this time from the massive Yokozuna - showing just how powerful the move could be in the right hands. While professional wrestling moves are designed to be executed safely, the leg drop - especially when delivered by someone as massive as Hogan - can be legitimately punishing. Dropping a 300-pound leg across an opponent's neck or chest isn't just tough on the recipient; it also takes a serious toll on the performer. Hogan himself has undergone numerous surgeries in retirement, largely due to the long-term damage caused by repeatedly executing the move over decades.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Superstar Snuck Backstage At AEW Event
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former WWE Tough Enough winner Maven Huffman recently shared an entertaining video on his popular YouTube channel, documenting what he humorously portrayed as an attempt to "sneak" backstage at an AEW Collision event. The footage captures his journey through an All Elite Wrestling show in New Jersey. In the video, despite not being an official AEW employee or possessing credentials for the event, Maven successfully navigated past an initial security checkpoint. He convinced a guard that he was part of the talent roster, thereby gaining access to the talent parking area. Maven documented his exploration through the production and TV truck zone. He eventually entered the main backstage area of the AEW Collision taping. Once inside, he had a friendly encounter with his old friend and former WWE colleague, Billy Gunn. The two veterans were seen reminiscing about their time working together at WrestleMania 18. During his unauthorized tour, Maven also met several other AEW personalities. These included interactions with former AEW Women's World Champion Thunder Rosa and commentator Josh Mathews. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More He also showed viewers the wrestlers' monitor viewing area and the catering spread available to talent and staff. The entire venture was presented with a lighthearted and adventurous tone for his channel's content. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Maven Huffman first rose to prominence in the wrestling world as the co-winner of WWE's inaugural season of the reality competition series Tough Enough in 2001. This victory secured him a coveted WWE contract. His most enduring WWE moment occurred early in his career at the 2002 Royal Rumble. As a rookie, Maven famously delivered a dropkick that sent The Undertaker over the top rope, shockingly eliminating the legend from the match. This audacious act led to The Undertaker's brutal post-elimination assault but significantly elevated Maven's profile. It even propelled him to capture the WWF Hardcore Championship on three occasions, once by pinning The Undertaker on SmackDown with assistance from The Rock and Al Snow. Throughout his WWE tenure, which lasted from 2001 to 2005, Maven was often cast as an underdog. He teamed with his former Tough Enough trainer Al Snow and had memorable interactions and matches against top-tier stars like Chris Jericho and Evolution, even challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship. Despite these notable moments, Maven was released from WWE in July 2005. He has since attributed his relatively short run to issues with immaturity at the time. In recent years, Maven has experienced a resurgence in popularity through his candid YouTube channel. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
