Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Tearful Tribute to Hulk Hogan Leaves the World in Tears
When Hulk Hogan passed away, the wrestling world stood still. But amidst the global mourning, one voice echoed louder than the rest—Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. In a raw, tear-filled video, The Rock paid tribute to the man who had once been his childhood hero, his greatest rival, and ultimately, his lifelong friend.
Through trembling words, The Rock recounted a moment that changed his life. In 1984, a 12-year-old Dwayne stood in the crowd at Madison Square Garden, watching in awe as Hulk Hogan electrified the arena. After the match, Hogan handed the young fan his red Hulkster headband. That simple gesture became a spark that ignited a future icon’s dream.
Fast forward to WrestleMania X8, when The Rock and Hogan stood face-to-face in the ring. The match, billed as “Icon vs. Icon,” transcended wrestling. “That night, brother, you passed the torch to me,” The Rock said, voice cracking. “But make no mistake—you built the house. You sold the tickets. You filled the arenas.”
His final words—“Thank you for the house, brother”—spread across the internet like wildfire. Social media exploded with fans and celebrities sharing the tribute, calling it one of the most emotional farewells in wrestling history.
It wasn’t just the wrestling community that felt the weight of The Rock’s words. From movie stars to athletes, musicians to global leaders, tributes poured in. Shaquille O’Neal, Mark Wahlberg, and even Snoop Dogg reflected on Hogan’s larger-than-life impact. Wrestlers from across generations—John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ric Flair, and Triple H—joined in, each acknowledging Hogan as the foundation upon which their careers were built.
Public vigils sprang up worldwide. From fans gathering in Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall to mural tributes in Mexico City and candlelit ceremonies in London, it became clear that Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestling icon. He was a cultural phenomenon.
But The Rock’s tribute wasn’t a polished Hollywood statement. It was a son saying goodbye to a father figure. His vulnerability reminded the world that even legends have heroes—and when those heroes fall, the grief is universal.
Through Dwayne Johnson’s heartfelt farewell, Hulk Hogan’s legacy roared once more.