Introduction
A Farewell From One Legend to Another: The Rock Honors His Hero
When the news of Hulk Hogan’s passing broke, it sent shockwaves not only through the wrestling world but across generations of fans who grew up idolizing the man in red and yellow. But no tribute struck a deeper chord than the one delivered by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — a heartfelt message that transformed a global goodbye into something deeply personal. Through tears, memories, and reverence, The Rock didn’t just say farewell to a fellow icon — he spoke as a former fan, a protégé, and most of all, a grateful brother-in-arms.
In a raw and emotional video shared on social media, Johnson recounted the life-changing moment in 1984 when, at just 12 years old, he watched Hogan light up Madison Square Garden. After the match, Hogan handed him his red headband — a small gesture that planted the seed of a dream. A few weeks later, a new headband arrived in the mail, just as Hogan had promised. That act of kindness didn’t just impact a boy — it helped build one of wrestling’s future superstars.
Their story came full circle in 2002 at WrestleMania X8 — a match billed as “Icon vs. Icon.” The Rock may have won that night, but in his tribute, he made it clear: “That crowd wasn’t cheering for me. That electricity — it was all for you.” With grace and humility, he acknowledged that Hogan “built the house” — a phrase that has now become a rallying cry across the internet.
From Twitter tributes to murals in Mexico, and candlelight vigils in Japan to standing ovations on late-night TV, the world grieved together. Johnson’s tribute reminded us that heroes matter — not because they win matches, but because they make us believe. And in that belief, they become immortal.
“Thank you for the house, brother,” The Rock signed off. And in that moment, millions echoed it back.