Hulk Hogan, like many others, tuned in to watch The Rock’s comeback to WWE on SmackDown last week. Despite being a long-time spectator of professional wrestling for over sixty years, Hogan was still captivated by The Rock’s presence and ability to capture his imagination.
According to Hogan, The Rock is truly unique and operates at a different level than most. However, what stood out the most to him was The Rock’s undeniable connection to the world of wrestling. Hogan believed it was evident that wrestling was still a significant part of The Rock’s being.
The ongoing strike of writers in Hollywood is creating an unexpected opportunity for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to make a comeback in the WWE. If he decides to step back into the wrestling ring, he would be the main event at WrestleMania 40, going up against Roman Reigns.
Having headlined several previous WrestleManias, including the inaugural event and subsequent ones such as WrestleMania II, WrestleMania III, WrestleMania V, WrestleMania VI, WrestleMania VII, and WrestleMania VIII, as well as closing out WrestleMania IX, Hogan believes that a match between The Rock and Reigns would bring a fresh perspective to professional wrestling.
“That would truly be a spectacle for all,” Hogan expressed. “There weren’t even many of today’s prominent figures present during the inaugural WrestleMania featuring Mr. T and Liberace, or to witness the legendary showdown between Andre The Giant and myself at WrestleMania III. However, if Rock were to make a comeback, it would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on everyone’s memory.
“Imagine the sheer exhilaration of witnessing his return, beholding greatness unfolding right before our eyes. If The Rock were to grace WrestleMania with his presence once again, it would be a monumental occasion that would resonate with people for eternity.”
Hogan and Rock grappled with each other on two separate occasions and had an incredible three-on-two handicap match on Raw. In this match, Hogan teamed up with his NWO comrades Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to take on The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. However, their most memorable moment occurred in 2002 at WrestleMania X8, where Hogan and The Rock put on an electrifying show for the enthusiastic crowd at the SkyDome in Toronto.
It’s worth noting that prior to WrestleMania X8, Hogan had not wrestled at WWE’s flagship event since 1993. A lot had changed in WWE during Hogan’s tenure with WCW. Austin and The Rock had become the company’s top stars during the immensely popular “Attitude Era,” and WWE was no longer Hogan’s domain. There were also significant changes behind the scenes in WWE, which surprised Hogan when he was asked to rehearse the match with The Rock for WrestleMania X8.
“I have never practiced a match in my entire career,” admitted Hogan. “But when my time at WCW ended and I returned to WWE, Vince McMahon made it clear that things had changed. He told me that if I wanted to keep up, I needed to step it up. There were other changes as well. Vince and Pat Patterson wanted us to run through the match beforehand to ensure everything was planned. Personally, I didn’t enjoy that. For me, the beauty of wrestling lies in the spontaneity and improvisation when we’re out there in the ring.”
Hogan warmly remembers the presence of Rocky Johnson, who happens to be The Rock’s father, during one of their rehearsals.
“I had known Rocky Johnson for a long time, even before I embarked on my wrestling journey,” Hogan recollected. “He was someone I deeply admired. On that particular day, I can still vividly recall standing in the ring, conversing with Dwayne, while all we could hear was Rocky Johnson shouting, ‘Dwayne, listen to Hogan!'”
Hogan and Rocky Johnson crossed paths for the first time during their shared residence in Florida. Hogan’s passion for wrestling knew no bounds, and Johnson had already established himself as a prominent figure in the industry.
“I remember the days when Rocky Johnson would wrestle in Florida, and after their matches in Tampa, everyone would gather at the iconic Imperial Room,” reminisced Hogan. “Rock must recall it vividly since he actually lived nearby. As a devoted fan, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to geek out and witness the presence of legends like Harley Race and ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham on one side of the room, while Rocky Johnson held court on the other side.”
Back in the days when I used to be part of a rock and roll band, there came a moment when I mustered up the courage to approach the guys. Among the memories that stand out, I recall offering to drive Rocky Johnson to Tallahassee for one of his wrestling matches. Despite the lengthy five-hour journey, my enthusiasm overshadowed any inconvenience. To make the trip, I proudly hopped behind the wheel of my girlfriend’s newly-purchased Ford Torino. This experience turned into a recurring occurrence, and I would often be gone till dawn ensuring Rocky’s safe return to the Imperial Room before it closed. When I ventured to New York in ’79 to begin my journey with the World Wrestling Federation, Rocky took me under his wing during his wrestling tenure there. The kindness he showed me during that time is something I will always cherish.
With Hogan and The Rock preparing for their match at WrestleMania X8, Patterson suggested that they do a practice run to iron out the details. However, Hogan explained that he needed the energy of a large crowd and a few Miller Lites before performing at that level, so they opted for a walk-through instead. As Hogan reflects on that unforgettable night, he recalls how they had to quickly adapt to the crowd’s desires, showcasing their improvisation skills. He praises The Rock for his professionalism and ability to connect with the audience, describing their dynamic in the ring as a beautiful slow dance. Hogan, who was 48 at the time, believes that age wouldn’t be a hindrance if The Rock were to make a return to wrestling, as he himself continues to be active at 51.
According to Hogan, The Rock is currently in excellent physical condition and even better than he was. Hogan also praises The Rock’s intelligence and skill inside the wrestling ring. Hogan expresses his excitement at the possibility of The Rock making a comeback, stating that it would not only be great for The Rock personally but also have a significant impact on the entire wrestling community. Looking ahead to WrestleMania 40 in April, which will be held in Philadelphia, Hogan believes that there is no one better suited to headline such a prestigious event than The Rock. Despite The Rock’s absence from wrestling for some time, Hogan is confident that if he were to step back into the ring, he would deliver an unforgettable performance that would be hard to follow for anyone else.
