The setup of professional wrestling entertains crowds with exhilarating storylines and predetermined matches. However, this does not mean that stars don’t go off-script from time to time when they see the winds changing. A similar incident occurred 21 years ago in a match between Hulk Hogan and Dwayne Johnson.

The WWE usually has a fixed roadmap regarding both stories and matches, unless it is a main event match. Despite this, some trajectories just travel upward and upward because of the star power they carry. A similar chemical reaction had consumed the fans when the Hulkster and The Rock clashed at Wrestle Mania 18. In fact, The Rock’s father and pro wrestling legend Rocky Johnson had a big role in turning that match into the gem we know today.

The fatherly advice that made all the difference

WWE boasts some of the most loyal fanbases in the world. But most importantly, it also has one of the most intense and influential fanbases as well. Retired WWE legend Hulk Hogan recently reminded everyone of the power the WWE Universe carries, and how a watchful eye knew exactly what to do. The Hulkster recently made an appearance in comedian Chris Van Vliet’s podcast where he outed a major secret.

Hulk Hogan was speaking about his iconic Wrestle Mania 18 match against Dwayne Johnson just after his WWE return. Hogan mentioned that the match blueprint said that the audience would boo The Hulkster away while Johnson took a shining win. However, the crowd seemed more ecstatic about Hulk Hogan than Dwayne Johnson that night. 

While Johnson was ready, Hogan had his doubts if things would work the way the creative team had planned. According to Hulk Hogan, “The Rock told me everything he wanted to do.” The Hulkster realized that the match was almost set in stone even before it happened. 

However, a voice of reason soon came to the rescue. Hogan continued, “I really didn’t say much and then we were in the dressing room. The Rock and I were actually in the same dressing room that night. Not a lot of conversation, but Rocky Johnson was in there, ‘Dwayne listen to Hogan!’” 

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The fatherly advice from The Rock’s father completely changed the air and made the actual match more flexible. Hogan revealed that while he is credited for that match, it was actually Rocky Johnson who really saved the day. In fact, the crowd absolutely loved the high-stakes drama that unfolded before them.

The epic showdown between Dwayne Johnson and Hulk Hogan

The SkyDome in Toronto, Canada was jam-packed with WWE fans who had gathered for WrestleMania 18 in 2002. The match between Hogan and Johnson turned out to be the highlight of WWE’s biggest climactic show despite not being its main event. 

After listening to the advice of his father Rocky Johnson, The Rock agreed to follow The Hulkster’s instructions. This turned a rather simplistic match into a match that is still remembered despite being two decades old.

Hogan didn’t believe the response of the crowd for him, as he himself accepted the reality of being a heel that night. Hogan said, “So we get out there and I fully expected them to boo me out of the building.” However, the WWE Universe was in the mood for something else. The iconic match saw Hogan become an instant fan favorite and the match held the crowd’s attention.

The constant jostling lasted for about 17 minutes before The Rock claimed the victory. The crowd absolutely fell in love with the electricity the match carried. Have you watched this epic showdown between The Rock and The Hulkster? Let your thoughts flow in the comments section.

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