The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan, who passed away on Thursday (July 24) at the age of 71. Among the many tributes pouring in, none were more emotional or personal than the one shared by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Taking to Twitter, Johnson reflected on the deep impact Hogan—born Terry Bollea—had on his life, both as a fan and as a fellow superstar in the ring.

Johnson began by sharing a touching memory from his childhood. As a young boy attending a match at Madison Square Garden, he caught Hogan’s signature “HULKSTER” headband that had been tossed into the crowd. After the match, he returned it to Hogan backstage.

“You were wrestling ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff that night in the main event,” Johnson recalled. “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.”

Hogan, grateful for the gesture, promised young Johnson that he would get more made and gift him one in return.

Fast forward 17 years, and that same kid stood across the ring from his childhood hero at WrestleMania, in what would become one of the most legendary matches in WWE history.

"The match was to decide who would go down in history as The Greatest of All Time,” Johnson wrote. “When you kicked 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.”

While the match was billed as a clash of eras, Johnson made it clear who the true star was that night.

“You may have ‘passed the torch’ to me that night, but you, my friend… you ‘drew the house,’” he wrote, referring to Hogan’s unmatched ability to pack arenas during his prime. “You sold out every arena and stadium across the country on your way to becoming the greatest of all time.”

Johnson closed his tribute with a powerful message that captured the spirit and legacy of Hulk Hogan:

“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.”

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