The world of sports has just received heartbreaking news: Hulk Hogan, the immortal icon of professional wrestling, has passed away at the age of 71. The man who once rocked the WWE with legendary matches and his famous catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!”, is now at rest—leaving behind millions of grieving hearts.
Among those mourning is Wayne Rooney, legendary footballer for Manchester United and the England national team, who could not hide his deep emotions. To Rooney, Hogan was not just a media icon or wrestling legend—he was a childhood hero, a spiritual brother, and later in life, a true friend.
On his personal page, Rooney wrote a heartfelt tribute:
“Rest in peace, brother. You were larger than life – in the ring and beyond. A childhood hero, a real icon, and a friend I’ll never forget. Thank you for the memories, Hulk Hogan. The world just got a little quieter without your voice echoing through it. 🙏💔”
From TV hero… to a real-life friendship
Wayne Rooney has never hidden his love for WWE, especially during the golden era of Hulk Hogan. As a boy, he would spend evenings glued to the TV screen, watching Hogan take down opponents, lift championship belts, or raise his arms high with his iconic yellow bandana—unforgettable memories for a young lad from Liverpool.
Years later, after becoming a global football superstar, Rooney had the chance to meet Hogan in person at crossover events between football and WWE. The two quickly bonded—not just because of fame, but because of a shared sense of passion, grit, and mutual respect. Rooney once said that Hogan was “someone who inspired the way I fought on the pitch—strong, fiery, and never giving up.”
“There will never be another Hulk Hogan…”
Hogan’s passing leaves a massive void—not only in WWE but in the hearts of all those who grew up during his golden era. For Rooney—who brought that same warrior spirit to the football field—it feels like losing a piece of his childhood, a brother, and a friend he deeply admired.
“There will never be another like you, Hulk.
You didn’t just entertain – you inspired.
You weren’t just a wrestler – you were a symbol.
And for many of us, including me, you were a real-life superhero.”
– Wayne Rooney
The respect Rooney holds for Hulk Hogan is a clear testament to the far-reaching impact of the wrestling legend. When a football legend pays tribute to a wrestling icon, it’s more than just a farewell—it’s a beautiful connection between two seemingly different worlds of sport, united by heart, passion, and legacy.
