“You were a childhood hero” - Dwayne The Rock Johnson pays tribute to Hulk Hogan as he shares memories working with wrestling legend

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Reportedly, he lost his life due to suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday morning.

Since news of his passing broke online, fans have been reminiscing about his decades-long dedication to wrestling, celebrating his immense legacy, and reliving cherished memories tied to his incredible journey.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, 53, also joined Hulk Hogan's admirers to pay him an emotional tribute.

Dwayne Johnson reflected on working with Hulk Hogan

A day after Hogan's passing, the Fast Five actor penned a touching note for his "childhood hero" on Instagram. Dedicated to the late icon, he shared a special video of sharing the wrestling ring with Hogan in his heartfelt homage. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

Remembering working with one of the brightest stars of wrestling, the wrestler-turned-actor looked back on unforgettable memories and poured his heart out in his heartwarming post for the pro wrestling icon. With the nostalgic video of their face-off, he offered a heartwarming ode to his legacy by beginning his tribute with,

"Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan 🕊️💐"

Acknowledging the star's contribution in inspiring generations, the Jumanji: The Next Level star wrote,

"To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero - myself included."

Expressing his deep admiration for the legacy Hulk built, Johnson recalled a sweet memory from 1984 when he returned a HULKSTER band to the late wrestler in a locker room in Madison Square Garden. Calling himself "the lucky kid" to catch that band when the star threw it to the audience, he shared,

"You were wrestling 'Mr Wonderful', Paul Orndorff that night in the main event. 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."

Hulk Hogan sweetly kept his promise and presented a new headband to Dwayne Johnson a few weeks later. Recounting that memorable anecdote and his awe-inspiring fan moment, The Rock further continued in his homage,

"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."

From his childhood to being a successful professional wrestler, Hogan acknowledged memories throughout this long journey. While celebrating the legend's legacy and honoring his gestures, he also spoke fondly of facing his "childhood hero" in the wrestling ring. Cherishing that timeless memory, he further penned,

"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."

In 2002, Hogan made a comeback to WWE and wrestled against Johnson. They were seen battling against each other at WrestleMania X8, according to ABC News. 

Dwayne remembered the energetic game and explained in his note for Hulk,

"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."

Johnson defeated his inspiration, Hogan, in a clash that is considered one of the most iconic face-offs in the history of WWE. While he won the match that night, he attributed the credit to pulling a huge crowd, the enthusiasm, and the lively energy all around to Hulk.

Reminiscing about winning the clash and expressing how the former wrestler ruled the ring and left fans in awe during his golden era, Johnson also added,

"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."

To conclude his moving salute for Hulk Hogan, Dwayne Johnson left a message on behalf of the professional wrestling world, conveying,

"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 🕊️"

The internet mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan

From thriving in wrestling to becoming a prominent supporter during Donald Trump's campaign for the presidency, Hulk Hogan has always been in the spotlight for his interesting, fast-paced, and at times controversial life.

Sometime back, he made headlines for his speculated illness and health concerns. However, his rep shut down rumors in a June 2025 conversation with E! News and stated that there are "no reasons to panic." The rep also informed that he underwent neck surgery as he "had problems with his back" for a long time, noting that the operation "has indeed been successful."

Reflecting on the surgery in June, an insider then revealed, as cited by Us Weekly,

"Hulk had pretty serious heart surgery a few weeks ago and was doing well afterward."

Within a month of clarifying the truth on his health updates, he was pronounced dead on July 24. TMZ first reported the update on Hogan's unfortunate demise on Thursday. He suffered a cardiac arrest while staying at his Clearwater Beach home​​​​​​.

Saddened to hear the tragic news, WWE released an official statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) page. Acknowledging Hogan's charisma and contributions, the post read,

"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 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.

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025

WWE also extended its condolences to the late wrestlers' "family, friends, and fans."

Hulk Hogan played a pivotal role in making WWE (then WWF) globally famous. As a pop culture icon, his prominence was instrumental in boosting professional wrestling to gain mainstream popularity worldwide.

Retired wrestler Ric Flair remembered his "close friend" Hulk Hogan with a sincere tribute on social media. Sharing a collage of photos with the late pro, he described him as "An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend And Father" and penned in the caption,

"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 Undertaker is another iconic and globally renowned wrestler in WWE history. He also paid tribute to Hogan on X.

The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative.

Thank you, Hulk Hogan. pic.twitter.com/aV4gdTcq4S

— Undertaker (@undertaker) July 24, 2025

In his homage, he penned,

"The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative."

Hogan's admirers continue to shower him with unconditional love and appreciation on social media.