Hulk Hogan Remembered by Dwayne Johnson After Passing

Following the unfortunate passing of Terry Bollea, recognized globally as Hulk Hogan, Dwayne Johnson, known as ‘The Rock,’ shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, commemorating Hogan as a cherished figure from his youth. The six-time WWE Champion reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest.

Hogan, an iconic personality in the realm of sports entertainment, breathed his last on Thursday after experiencing a cardiac arrest. He was 71 years old.

Johnson’s extensive Instagram post recounted a childhood memory of returning Hogan’s signature “Hulkster” headband in the Madison Square Garden locker room. He also reflected on sharing the ring with his idol at Wrestlemania X8 in 2002, 17 years later.

Johnson shared, “Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan. To countless children, you were a hero, and I was one of them. Back in 1984, I was fortunate enough to return your ‘HULKSTER’ headband in the Madison Square Garden locker room after catching it when you tossed it into the crowd.”

“That evening, you were up against ‘Mr Wonderful’, Paul Orndorff, in the main event. You expressed your shock and joy after the match, explaining it was your last headband. If not for me, you would not have been able to get that exact one made again.

“You promised to have more made and gift me a Hulkster headband of my own as a thank you. A month later, you kept your word at Madison Square Garden with a handshake and a ‘thanks kid’. That gesture held immense value for that 12-year-old boy.”

The Rock further added that it was an honor to share the ring with his childhood icon, recalling the incredible energy from the crowd during their match.

He continued, “Just 17 years later, at 29 years old, I found myself standing in the ring, facing you – one of my wrestling heroes – in the main event of WRESTLEMANIA.”

“The match was to determine who would be remembered as The Greatest of All Time. When you kicked out of my Rock Bottom finisher, the crowd’s electric reaction was palpable… all for you. I’ve never experienced anything like it in my wrestling career. Although it takes two to tango, that unforgettable crowd reaction was all because of you.”

“You might have ‘passed the torch’ to me that night, but you, my friend, ‘drew the house,’ meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the nation during your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your path to becoming the greatest of all time.

“From the depths of my being, and on behalf of the passionate world of professional wrestling, I extend my gratitude to you, now and forever… Thank you for the house, brother… Thank you, for the house.

“RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan.”

Hogan underwent significant heart surgery in June, which caused concern among his fanbase.

A six-time WWE Champion, Hogan played a pivotal role in propelling professional wrestling into mainstream popular culture, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s.