Dwayne Johnson Honors Hulk Hogan, Sparks WWE Speculation

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has ignited speculation regarding his future in WWE following a heartfelt tribute to the late wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. The tribute comes in the wake of Hogan’s death on July 24, 2025, due to cardiac arrest at the age of 71. He passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, where first responders administered CPR for over 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead.

WWE released an official statement, referring to Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, as “one of the most recognisable figures in pop culture” and a key figure in the global expansion of professional wrestling. Johnson’s tribute on social media stood out for its sincerity, as he named Hogan among the wrestlers on his personal WWE Mount Rushmore, underscoring the profound impact Hogan had on the industry.

Johnson’s message has raised questions about how this tribute aligns with his current WWE narrative. Since returning to WWE in early 2024, Johnson has adopted a new persona, dubbed the ‘Final Boss’, which marks a significant departure from his previous fan-favourite image. This role has seen him embrace a darker character, often collaborating with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline faction.

As noted by Bleacher Report, there are no set plans for Johnson’s return at SummerSlam, suggesting that his next moves may be influenced by his ongoing film projects. This shift in character has opened new creative avenues, with some analysts interpreting his tribute to Hogan as a potential indicator of an impending storyline evolution or a connection between generations of wrestlers.

Transition to Film and Character Evolution

While Johnson continues to develop his heel persona in WWE, he is also experiencing a notable transformation in his film career. He is set to star in The Smashing Machine, a biographical sports drama produced by A24, where he portrays MMA fighter Mark Kerr. For this role, Johnson is undergoing a significant physical transformation, utilizing prosthetics and modified styling to reflect Kerr’s tumultuous personal life and professional ascent.

Additionally, Johnson is preparing to film Breakthrough, another A24 project in which he plays a morally complex life coach based in Southern California. He described this role as “a deep, dark psychological dive,” which signifies a shift away from the action-comedy roles that have been predominant in his career thus far. These upcoming projects highlight Johnson’s deliberate move towards more nuanced, emotionally rich characters, mirroring the complexity of his current wrestling storyline.

The interplay between Johnson’s tribute to Hogan, his evolving wrestling character, and his forthcoming film roles has led some industry observers to consider these elements as interconnected. WWE is reportedly planning a tribute segment for Hogan on SmackDown in Cleveland, which may include references to Johnson’s heartfelt message, further heightening the intrigue surrounding these developments.

As the release date for The Smashing Machine approaches on October 3, 2025, and with Breakthrough in development, Johnson’s tribute to Hogan may not only serve as an emotional acknowledgment but also as a pivotal narrative moment in his multifaceted career. The convergence of personal homage, wrestling drama, and cinematic evolution suggests a thoughtfully orchestrated progression for The Rock as he navigates multiple platforms in entertainment.