Dwayne Johnson Pays Tribute to Late Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan

Los Angeles, Jul 25 (PTI) Actor Dwayne Johnson paid tribute to his "childhood hero," the late wrestler Hulk Hogan, remembering him fondly. Hogan, who passed away on Thursday at 71 following a cardiac arrest, left an indelible mark on both Johnson and countless fans around the world.

Johnson, also a former wrestler, shared a heartfelt video on his Instagram on Friday, reminiscing about his memories with Hogan. "Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan. To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero - myself included," the 53-year-old actor expressed in the caption.

Recounting a cherished memory from 1984, Johnson wrote about the time he returned Hogan's 'HULKSTER' headband to him in the Madison Square Garden locker room. "In 1984, I gave you your 'HULKSTER' headband back, in the locker room in Madison Square Garden. I was the lucky kid who caught it when you threw it into the crowd. 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," Johnson shared, emphasizing the impact the moment had on his 12-year-old self.

Reflecting on their iconic match at WrestleMania X8 in 2002, Johnson recalled the intensity and excitement of facing his hero in the ring. "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," he wrote. Johnson highlighted the unforgettable moment when Hogan kicked out of his Rock Bottom finisher, electrifying the crowd. "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."

Johnson acknowledged Hogan's significant contributions to professional wrestling, thanking him for his legacy. "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," Johnson added.

He concluded with a poignant message of gratitude. "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," Johnson said in his touching farewell.

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