Roman Reigns and The Usos have always spoken about their deep respect for the legends who paved the way in professional wrestling, but their latest tribute message for Hulk Hogan carries a special sense of honor and reverence. The WWE Universe was taken aback when the Samoan Dynasty, known for their dominance and unity, shared heartfelt words for the iconic Hulkster. Their tribute was more than a simple acknowledgment; it was a recognition of the impact Hogan had not only on wrestling as an industry but on the lives of those who followed in his footsteps.
Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Champion and the head of the table, took the lead in expressing gratitude. He emphasized how Hogan’s larger-than-life persona helped elevate wrestling into a global phenomenon. Roman spoke about how Hogan inspired generations, including his own family, to believe that wrestling could transcend entertainment and become a cultural movement. He mentioned that while their wrestling styles and characters differ greatly, the foundation Hogan laid created the space for someone like him to lead WWE into a new era.
The Usos, Jimmy and Jey, added their voices to the tribute, sharing how they grew up watching Hogan’s unforgettable matches with their father, Rikishi. They recalled being children, sitting in front of the television in awe of Hulkamania, and imitating Hogan’s signature poses. For them, Hogan represented the spark that ignited their own passion for the business. In their message, they thanked Hogan for inspiring so many Samoan wrestlers to embrace the spotlight with confidence and pride.
This tribute was shared during a WWE digital exclusive segment, where the three spoke candidly rather than in character. It felt raw and genuine, showing the personal respect that exists beyond storylines and rivalries. Roman made it clear that no matter how far WWE has evolved, the legacy of Hulk Hogan will always remain intertwined with its foundation. He called Hogan a “pillar of the business” and someone who showed the world the power of charisma and connection with the audience.
What made the tribute even more meaningful was how it highlighted the generational bridge between legends and modern stars. Hogan was the face of WWE in the 1980s and 1990s, while Roman Reigns and The Usos are defining the current era. Despite the decades between their peaks, the Samoan stars acknowledged that Hogan’s influence is still felt today. They credited him for showing that a wrestler could be both a hero in the ring and an icon outside of it.
Fans reacted strongly to the heartfelt message. Social media was flooded with posts praising the Samoan Dynasty for showing humility and gratitude toward someone who helped shape the wrestling world they now dominate. Many noted that seeing top-tier wrestlers pay respect to the past serves as a reminder that wrestling is a lineage, with each generation carrying forward the lessons of those who came before.
Hulk Hogan, upon hearing about the tribute, reportedly expressed his own admiration for Roman Reigns and The Usos. He called them “warriors of the modern era” and said he felt honored to have played even a small role in inspiring their journeys. Hogan’s response only deepened the sense of mutual respect between the legendary past and the dominant present.
The tribute also sparked conversations among wrestling historians about the importance of acknowledging past icons. Some pointed out that in an industry often driven by competition and rivalries, moments of respect like this remind everyone of the shared love for the craft. Hogan’s run in WWE opened doors for countless wrestlers from diverse backgrounds, including those from the Anoa’i family, who are now the backbone of WWE programming.
Roman Reigns concluded the tribute by saying that while eras change, the values of hard work, passion, and resilience remain the same. He encouraged younger wrestlers to study the careers of legends like Hogan to understand how charisma and connection can make a superstar truly unforgettable. The Usos echoed that sentiment, telling fans to never forget the wrestlers who “paved the road so we could run on it today.”
This emotional moment served as a beautiful reminder that wrestling is more than just athletic competition; it’s a living history passed from one generation to another. Roman Reigns and The Usos may be writing their own legacy today, but they made it clear that they are standing on the shoulders of giants like Hulk Hogan. Their tribute wasn’t just words—it was an acknowledgment of the eternal bond between the past and present of professional wrestling.
— Roman Reigns & The Usos
The Bloodline | WWE Legacy
