For many wrestling fans, Hulk Hogan was the reason they first fell in love with the sport.
And for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, that admiration ran especially deep.
Now, after Hogan’s passing at 71 from cardiac arrest, Johnson is looking back on the man who shaped his dreams—and later, became his rival.
The Headband That Started It All
It all began in 1984 at Madison Square Garden. A 12-year-old Dwayne Johnson was in the crowd when Hogan threw his signature ‘Hulkster’ headband into the audience.
By some twist of fate, young Johnson caught it—but instead of keeping it, he returned it backstage to Hogan, who was blown away by the gesture.
It turned out to be Hogan’s last headband of that design.
Touched by the boy’s sincerity, he promised to make more—and true to his word, he later gave one to Johnson.
That simple moment, as Johnson now recalls, “meant the world to that little 12-year-old boy.”
From Fan to WrestleMania Opponent
Fast forward to 2002, and the two icons went head-to-head in one of the most legendary matches in wrestling history—WrestleMania X8 in Toronto.
That night, Johnson and Hogan put on a show that fans still talk about two decades later.
“It was like nothing I’ve ever felt before in my wrestling career,” Johnson said.
The energy in the arena was electric, and both men delivered a performance filled with mutual respect and showmanship.
The Rock described it as a moment that changed his life—and the sport.
Passing the Torch with Gratitude
In his tribute, Johnson called Hogan “the greatest of all time.”
He acknowledged how Hogan passed the torch to him that night, and expressed deep appreciation for what that meant—not just for his own journey, but for wrestling as a whole.
“From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and crazy world of professional wrestling that we love… thank you for the house, brother,” Johnson wrote, echoing the heartfelt language only wrestlers truly understand.
Hulk Hogan’s Lasting Impact
Hogan’s influence went far beyond the ring.
He wasn’t just a wrestling star—he was a pop culture force who helped bring the WWE (then WWF) into mainstream entertainment.
His charisma, unforgettable presence, and larger-than-life personality made wrestling a household obsession in the ’80s and ’90s.
For a generation of fans—and future stars like Johnson—Hogan was the face of the sport.
His style, confidence, and crowd connection left a blueprint that many, including The Rock, followed.
A Global Legacy, Including in South Africa
The grief over Hogan’s passing has reached all corners of the world, including South Africa, where pro wrestling enjoys a passionate following.
Fans there grew up watching his matches, imitating his poses, and shouting his catchphrases at TV screens.
To them—and to millions worldwide—Hogan wasn’t just a performer.
He was a hero, a legend, and for many, a first love in the world of sports entertainment.
A Hero Remembered by a Superstar
The story of The Rock’s rise—from a wide-eyed kid in New York holding a Hulkster headband to one of the most electrifying wrestlers (and actors) of all time—is proof of how deeply Hogan influenced the generations that followed him.
“To millions of little kids, you were a childhood hero, myself included,” Johnson wrote.
And with that, the message was clear: Hulk Hogan’s legacy isn’t just history—it’s still alive in every fan, every wrestler, and every unforgettable match that he helped shape.
Share Your Hogan Memories
Were you a fan of Hulk Hogan? Do you remember your favorite match or moment? Let us know in the comments, or drop a message on WhatsApp at 060 011 021 1.
And for the latest stories, follow The South African on WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Bluesky—and sign up for our newsletters.
Let me know if you’d like a version adapted for