Hulk Hogan came face-to-face with the Hollywood version of Dwayne The Rock Johnson 23 years ago on WWE SmackDown!

Twenty-three years ago on WWE SmackDown, the wrestling world witnessed a surreal and unforgettable confrontation: Hulk Hogan standing face-to-face with the Hollywood version of Dwayne Johnson, better known to millions as The Rock.
At that point in time, the industry was in a fascinating transition. Hulk Hogan had already cemented himself as a global icon. From the red-and-yellow Hulkamania era to his revolutionary run in WCW as “Hollywood” Hogan, he had shaped multiple generations of sports entertainment. Meanwhile, The Rock was rapidly evolving beyond the squared circle. His charisma, catchphrases, and larger-than-life presence had already made him one of WWE’s biggest stars—but Hollywood was calling, and he was answering.
When Hogan and The Rock met on SmackDown that night, it wasn’t just another promo segment. It felt like two eras colliding. Hogan represented the golden age of the 1980s and the rebellious attitude of the 1990s. The Rock embodied the new millennium—athletic, electrifying, and destined for crossover superstardom.
The tension in the arena was electric. Fans understood they were watching something special. These weren’t just two wrestlers exchanging words; they were global icons measuring legacy, influence, and star power. Hogan’s presence commanded nostalgia and respect. The Rock’s aura radiated confidence and inevitability. Together in the same ring, the atmosphere was larger than life.
The “Hollywood” version of The Rock added even more intrigue. He was no longer just the People’s Champion—he was becoming a legitimate movie star. Every line he delivered carried that big-screen swagger. Hogan, who had also tested Hollywood waters in the past, stood across from a man who was about to redefine what crossover success looked like for professional wrestlers.
Moments like this are why WWE history remains so rich. That face-off symbolized passing torches, generational battles, and the power of reinvention. It reminded fans that wrestling isn’t only about championships—it’s about moments that feel timeless.
Even 23 years later, the image of Hulk Hogan and The Rock standing inches apart on SmackDown still gives fans chills. It was more than a segment. It was history in real time—two legends, one ring, and a moment that proved icons never truly fade; they evolve.