Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson finally broke his silence on the passing of Hulk Hogan. At exactly 2:00 AM on July 25, The Rock posted a powerful message, along with a video clip from their iconic WrestleMania match, remembering his childhood hero and their unforgettable bond that spanned decades.
The tribute opened with a touching memory from 1984, when a 12-year-old Dwayne caught Hogan’s last “HULKSTER” headband during a match at Madison Square Garden.
“In 1984, I gave you your ‘HULKSTER’ headband back, in the locker room in Madison Square Garden — I was the lucky kid caught it when you threw it in the crowd.”
Hogan told him that was his final headband and promised to get more made—then fulfilled that promise just a month later.
“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.”
Years later, the two legends would clash in the main event of WrestleMania, in a match that still echoes through wrestling history.
“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.”
Recalling the moment Hogan kicked out of the Rock Bottom, The Rock admitted nothing in his career ever compared to the crowd reaction that erupted.
“Just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC… all for you. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career.”
And while many remember that match as the moment The Rock became the face of the company, he made sure to give Hogan full credit for carrying the industry.
“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.”
Closing the message with the words that only someone raised in the business would truly understand, The Rock wrote:
“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.”
This wasn’t just a tribute—it was a personal thank you from a fan-turned-peer to the man who inspired a generation.
How do you remember Hulk Hogan’s legacy? What moment from his career still lives rent-free in your mind? Drop your thoughts and tributes in the comments below.
