The Rock Reacts To Hulk Hogan’s Death

The Rock Reacts to Hulk Hogan’s Death: “There Is No Me Without Him”

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of a titan. Hulk Hogan, the man who helped turn professional wrestling into a global phenomenon, has passed away at the age of 71 — and tributes from across the industry have poured in. But none hit quite like the one from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who shared a raw, emotional reaction that left fans in tears.

“There is no me without Hulk Hogan,” The Rock wrote.
“He wasn’t just the reason I laced up my boots — he was the reason we all believed we could be larger than life.”

🕊️ A Heartfelt Message From One Legend to Another

In a video posted to Instagram just hours after Hogan’s death was confirmed, The Rock appeared visibly emotional as he recalled the first time he met the Immortal One backstage at a WWE event.

“I was a rookie. Nervous as hell. Hogan came up to me, shook my hand, looked me dead in the eyes and said: ‘You’ve got it, brother.’ I never forgot that.”

The Rock went on to describe Hogan not just as a mentor, but as a cultural force — someone who “broke barriers long before there were hashtags” and “made us all feel like superheroes could be real.”

🤝 WrestleMania X8 — A Moment Etched in History

Of course, no tribute from The Rock would be complete without a nod to WrestleMania X8, the legendary match where he and Hogan went head-to-head in front of a roaring Toronto crowd.

“That night was lightning in a bottle. The crowd chose their hero, and I stood across the ring in total awe. I was watching a legend in real time — and somehow, wrestling him too.”

The Rock has always said that moment was one of the greatest honors of his career — and on this day, it carries even more weight.

🐐 “He Was the Blueprint”

In his tribute, The Rock also reflected on what Hogan meant to future generations of wrestlers:

“The muscles, the charisma, the mic skills — he was the blueprint. Every one of us took a page from his book, whether we admit it or not.”

And in classic Rock fashion, he ended his message with a mix of gratitude and humor:

“I’ll miss you, brother. Save me a ring up there — we’ll run it back one day. But this time, you’re going over.”

🌍 Fans React: “Now That’s a Tribute”

Fans flooded The Rock’s post with love and support:

“When one GOAT honors another… chills.”

“This is why The Rock is class. Pure respect.”

“Hulk would’ve loved this. That match with you will live forever.”

Many called for WWE to organize an on-air tribute segment featuring The Rock and other legends, while others suggested a special WWE Network documentary to commemorate Hogan’s legacy.

🎬 A Lasting Legacy

As wrestling continues to evolve, the torch passed from one generation to the next, Hulk Hogan’s impact remains unshakable — and The Rock’s tribute is proof of that.

“He was the first to make wrestling cool,” The Rock said. “He was the first to make it mainstream. He was the first to become a brand. And through it all, he stayed true to the fans.”

With tears, laughter, and a brotherly sign-off, The Rock captured what many have been feeling but couldn’t say:

Thank you, Hulk Hogan. For paving the way. For teaching us how to fight. And for reminding us all to say our prayers and eat our vitamins.

Rest in power, Hulkster.
The People’s Champ salutes you.