The Rock honored the late Hulk Hogan with a touching post about their relationship.
Hogan unexpectedly passed away on Thursday morning at age 71. Countless people from around the pro wrestling world shared their memories of the wrestling legend, including Vince McMahon and Ric Flair.
The Rock has now shared a statement on social media in remembrance of Hogan, who he shared the ring with in a classic match at WrestleMania X8. The Rock thanked Hogan for being kind to him as a kid, and “for the house” when they worked together at WrestleMania.
The Rock’s statement in full:
“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 caught it when you threw it in the crowd. 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. 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 ?️”
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