Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson recalls childhood meeting with ‘hero’

Ian YoungsCulture reporterGetty ImagesDwayne Johnson and Hulk Hogan squared up at Wrestlemania in 2002Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has posted a touching tribute to his “childhood hero” Hulk Hogan, recalling assembly the late wrestling legend when he was simply 12 earlier than occurring to face him within the Wrestlemania ring.Johnson revealed he caught Hogan’s “Hulkster” headband within the crowd as a younger fan at Madison Sq. Backyard in 1984, adopted by a gathering that “meant the world to that little 12-year-old boy”.The pair then famously squared up in a bout billed as “Icon vs Icon” at Wrestlemania X8 in 2002.”I’ve by no means felt something like that in my whole wrestling profession. It takes two to tango, however that historic crowd response was all for you,” wrote Johnson, now a significant Hollywood star.Getty ImagesHogan “handed the torch” to Johnson throughout their Wrestlemania boutHogan, the most important title in American skilled wrestling all through the Nineteen Eighties and 90s, died on Thursday on the age of 71.Tributes have been paid by stars of the wrestling world in addition to US President Donald Trump, who received Hogan’s assist throughout his election campaigns.’Thanks child’In his Instagram message, Johnson wrote: “Relaxation in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan.”To thousands and thousands of little youngsters you have been a childhood hero – myself included.”In 1984, I gave you your ‘HULKSTER’ headband again, within the locker room in Madison Sq. Backyard – I used to be the fortunate child caught it once you threw it within the crowd. You have been wrestling ‘Mr Great’, Paul Orndorff that evening in the principle occasion.”You have been shocked and so completely satisfied after the match since you instructed me that was your final headband and if it weren’t for me, you’d haven’t any method of getting that actual one made once more. You promised me that you’d get extra made and provides me a Hulkster headband of my very own as a thanks reward.”A month later in Madison Sq. Backyard, you probably did simply that. You saved your phrase, with a handshake and a ‘thanks child’.”And that meant the world to that little 12-year-old boy.”Johnson, the son of wrestler Rocky Johnson, stepped into the WWF/WWE ring himself as The Rock in 1996, and rose to the highest of the invoice to face a 48-year-old Hogan at Wrestlemania 18.”Nonetheless a child on the age of 29 years outdated – I am standing in the midst of the ring and dealing with you – certainly one of my wrestling heroes in the principle occasion of WRESTLEMANIA,” Johnson’s tribute continued.”The match was to resolve who would go down in historical past, as The Biggest of All Time.”Whenever you kick out of my Rock Backside finisher – simply hear and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC… all for you. I’ve by no means felt something like that in my whole wrestling profession. It takes two to tango, however that historic crowd response was all for you.”The match ended with The Rock defeating Hogan – however the pair shaking arms and leaving the ring collectively.”You’ll have ‘handed the torch’ to me that evening, however you, my buddy… you ‘drew the home’ which means you offered out each area and stadium throughout the nation in your prime as Hulk Hogan, in your method of changing into the best of all time.”From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and loopy world {of professional} wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and eternally… Thanks for the home, brother… Thanks, for the home.”RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan #goat.”