The Rock bids emotional farewell to Hulk Hogan with untold stories of their maiden encounter

Legendary professional wrestler Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, passed away on July 24, 2025, due to cardiac arrest at his Florida home. The WWE Legend was 71. Social media is flooded with tributes to the 'greatest of all', including heartfelt messages from fellow wrestlers and several celebrities.

The Rock bids emotional farewell to Hulk Hogan with untold stories of their maiden encounter

The Rock bids emotional farewell to Hulk Hogan with untold stories of their maiden encounter

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Legendary professional wrestler Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, passed away on July 24, 2025, due to cardiac arrest at his Florida home. The WWE Legend was 71. Social media is flooded with tributes to the 'greatest of all', including heartfelt messages from fellow wrestlers and several celebrities.

The Rock Bids Emotional Farewell

Sharing an old clip featuring The Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson and Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, in the ring. The duo face off, eyes locked in an intense stare. Suddenly, The Rock lifts Hulk Hogan and exhibits his signature attack style, 'The Rock Bottom', slamming him to the mat. However, Hulk Hogan instantly lifts himself up and takes down The Rock with his electrifying moves.

However, the highlight of the post was the untold stories of their maiden encounter, which The Rock penned in the caption.

He started his post with an emotional farewell note. He wrote, "Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan. To millions of little kids, you were a childhood hero - myself included." (sic)

Further, recalling untold stories, Dwayne wrote, "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." (sic)

He further added, "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." (sic)

Recalling his first faceoff with Hulk Hogan in the ring, The Rock wrote, "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." (sic)

Penning few more heartfelt words for Hulk Hogan, The Rock wrote, "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." (sic)

"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 #goat", he concluded. (sic)

The Undertaker also paid tribute to Hulk Hogan. He wrote, "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." (sic)

Another WWE legend, Triple H, also shared a heartfelt message, penning a long note.

Hulk Hogan's Enduring Legacy

Hulk Hogan is widely regarded as one of the most recognisable wrestling stars worldwide, with a career spanning over four decades. Apart from his in-ring accomplishments, with his contributions to popularising the sport and bringing it into the mainstream, he paved the way for future generations of wrestlers. His legacy will continue inspiring generations.

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