Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and his fellow celebrities and wrestling stars are mourning the death of Hulk Hogan.
The two-time WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died Thursday, according to Clearwater, Florida, police and WWE. He was 71.
On Friday, Johnson, also a professional wrestler and actor, took to Instagram to remember Hogan, calling him "a childhood hero" to millions of little kids, including him.
Hulk Hogan, WWE Hall of Famer and legendary champion, dies at 71
Johnson also recalled the moment that Hogan gifted him a headband as a kid after Johnson had returned the one he caught from Hogan in the crowd at Madison Square Garden in 1984.
"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," Johnson wrote. "You promised me that you would get more made and give me a Hulkster headband of my own as a thank you gift."
He continued, "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."
Johnson also recalled the moment he faced off with Hogan at Wrestlemania X8 in 2002. While Johnson won the match and Hogan passed him the torch that night, the actor said that Hogan "drew the house."
"You sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way to becoming the greatest of all time," he said. "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."
Johnson was among the many celebrities and figures in the wrestling world who shared tributes to Hogan on social media following Hogan's death.
In a statement, WWE called Hogan "one of pop culture's most recognizable figures" and said he "helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s."
The company also extended its condolences to Hogan's "family, friends, and fans."
Former WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon shared a message on X and called Hogan the "greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME."
"The world lost a treasure today," he wrote.
"He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon," he continued. "His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled - and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved."
He added, "He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, 'Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.' Today, we pray for him."
Retired professional wrestler The Undertaker, whose real name is Mark William Calaway, wrote on X, "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."
Fellow retired professional wrestler Ric Flair also took to social media Thursday, writing, "I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business."
He added, "An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn't Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend! 🙏🏻."
Hulk Hogan exclusive: Wrestling legend overwhelmed by victory in Gawker lawsuitFlair's daughter, American professional wrestler Charlotte Flair, shared a tribute to Hogan on X, stating that he was there for her when she "nearly lost my dad 8 years ago."
"One of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan," she wrote, adding that her "heart breaks" for Hogan's son and daughter, Nick Hogan and Brooke Hogan.
WWE Champ John Layfield also shared a memory of Hogan on X, writing that Hogan was "one of the reasons I got into wrestling."
"Hulk was always so nice to me and was the one celebrity that wanted to see all the kids I brought over from Bermuda," Layfield added. "RIP legend. There will never be another. Hulkamania never dies."
On X, House Speaker Mike Johnson shared a photo of himself with Hogan, now-Education Secretary Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump on the campaign trail last year.
Hogan notably gave a speech in support of Trump on the final night of the Republican National Convention last year.
"We all have fond memories of Hulk Hogan," Johnson wrote. "From my childhood in the '80s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life. May he rest in peace."
Trump himself remembered Hogan in a post on social media Thursday, writing, "We lost a great friend today, the 'Hulkster.'"
He acknowledged Hogan's political support and said the former wrestler "gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention."
Hulk Hogan's wife Sky Daily Hogan says her 'heart is in pieces' after WWE star's death"He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive," Trump continued. "To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!"
The president's son Donald Trump Jr. also took to X with a photo of Hogan and wrote, "R.I.P to a legend. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 HULK HOGAN."
Hogan's friends across Hollywood also paid tribute to him following his death. Throughout his career, the wrestler had made several television appearances, including appearing on the sitcom "Suddenly Susan" alongside Brooke Shields.
Shields shared a post about Hogan to Instagram on Thursday, along with a photo of her, Hogan and Kathy Griffin.
"Rest easy, Hulk," she wrote in the caption. "This moment and his entire guest episode on 'Suddenly Susan' was a true highlight. Sending love to all of his loved ones today 🖤."
In 1982, Hogan appeared alongside Sylvester Stallone in "Rocky III" as the wrestling champion Thunderlips.
Stallone wrote on Instagram, "I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special."
"My heart breaks," he added.
Former "Saved by the Bell" star and TV host Mario Lopez shared an Instagram post Thursday, recounting the moment he and his kids met Hogan in person. Lopez wrote that he "grew up running wild like a true Hulkamaniac" and was "truly starstruck" when he finally got to meet the wrestler.
"Hearing about Hulk Hogan's passing hits deep -- feels like a piece of my childhood is gone," he wrote. "The bandana, the flex, the leg drop, the larger-than-life energy… he was the superhero for so many of us. Rest easy brother... Forever a legend."
Actor and Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena also remembered Hogan with an Instagram post Thursday, writing simply, "RIP Legend 🙏🏻."
