Batista’s Tribute to Hulk Hogan: 😭💔 “You believed in me when no one else did” 💔😭…
Batista just shared an emotional tribute to Hulk Hogan, calling him “the man who saw greatness in me before I did”.
He wrote: “If it wasn’t for Hulk, I probably would have never stepped into that ring”.
Fans are flooding the comments with memories and love for “The Immortal”.
Read Batista’s full post below. 💬👇

Batista’s Emotional Tribute to Hulk Hogan: A Legacy of Belief and Inspiration

The wrestling world has been rocked by the recent passing of Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. Among the many tributes pouring in from fans, wrestlers, and celebrities, one stands out for its heartfelt sincerity: Dave Bautista, known in the ring as Batista, shared an emotional tribute to the wrestling legend, crediting Hogan for believing in him when no one else did. In a post that has resonated deeply with fans, Batista wrote, “If it wasn’t for Hulk, I probably would have never stepped into that ring.” This poignant reflection highlights the profound impact Hogan had not only on Batista’s career but also on the wrestling industry and its global fanbase. This article explores Batista’s tribute, the legacy of Hulk Hogan, and the enduring influence of their connection.

The Tribute That Moved the Wrestling World

Batista’s tribute to Hulk Hogan, shared shortly after the news of Hogan’s passing, struck a chord with fans and peers alike. In his post, Batista expressed gratitude for Hogan’s belief in his potential, stating, “You believed in me when no one else did” and calling Hogan “the man who saw greatness in me before I did.” These words encapsulate a pivotal moment in Batista’s journey from a struggling wrestler in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) to becoming one of WWE’s most prominent superstars and, later, a successful Hollywood actor. The sentiment reflects a mentor-mentee dynamic that shaped Batista’s career trajectory, underscoring Hogan’s role as a guiding figure in the wrestling world.

The tribute also included the powerful statement, “If it wasn’t for Hulk, I probably would have never stepped into that ring.” This acknowledgment highlights Hogan’s influence not just as a performer but as a mentor who recognized raw potential and encouraged others to pursue their dreams. Fans flooded the comments section of Batista’s post with memories of Hogan’s iconic moments, from his legendary matches to his larger-than-life persona, expressing love for “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan. The outpouring of support reflects the deep connection fans felt with Hogan, despite the controversies that marked his later years.

Hulk Hogan: The Icon Who Defined Wrestling

Hulk Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. As the face of WWE in the 1980s, Hogan helped transform the industry into a global phenomenon, headlining multiple WrestleManias and drawing millions of viewers with his charismatic promos and signature “Hulking up” comebacks. His red-and-yellow persona, complete with the iconic bandana and shirt-ripping entrances, became synonymous with wrestling’s golden era. Hogan’s crossover appeal extended beyond the ring, with appearances in films like Rocky III and his reality show Hogan Knows Best, cementing his status as a pop culture icon.

Hogan’s influence wasn’t limited to his in-ring performances. He inspired countless wrestlers to pursue their dreams, including Batista, who entered WWE through OVW in the early 2000s. At the time, Batista was part of a talented class of wrestlers, but he struggled with cutting promos, a critical skill for success in the industry. In a 2020 interview with Sports Illustrated, Batista revealed that he channeled Hogan’s energetic promo style to overcome his nerves, inadvertently mimicking the Hulkster’s iconic delivery. This connection, though initially unintentional, led to a moment where Hogan approached Batista to clarify whether he was being mocked. Batista assured him it was a tribute, not parody, highlighting his admiration for Hogan’s style.

The Mentor Who Saw Greatness

Batista’s tribute sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Hogan’s legacy: his ability to inspire and uplift emerging talent. Hogan’s belief in Batista came at a time when the young wrestler was still finding his footing in the industry. As Batista noted, Hogan “saw greatness in me before I did,” a testament to Hogan’s keen eye for talent and his willingness to support others. This encouragement likely gave Batista the confidence to persevere, eventually leading to his rise as a six-time world champion and a key figure in WWE’s Ruthless Aggression era.

The relationship between Batista and Hogan also reflects a broader theme in wrestling: the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Hogan, as a veteran, played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of younger wrestlers, offering guidance and support that helped them navigate the competitive world of professional wrestling. For Batista, Hogan’s belief was a turning point, propelling him to step into the ring and embrace his potential as “The Animal.”

Fans’ Reactions and Hogan’s Complicated Legacy

The response to Batista’s tribute has been overwhelming, with fans sharing their own memories of Hogan’s impact. Comments on social media platforms like X have highlighted Hogan’s role in making wrestling a mainstream spectacle, with many recalling his legendary matches against André the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Ultimate Warrior. Fans have also praised Batista for his heartfelt words, noting the authenticity of his gratitude and the emotional weight of his tribute.

However, Hogan’s legacy is not without complexity. His 2015 racism scandal, involving leaked audio of him using racial slurs, led to his temporary removal from WWE’s Hall of Fame and sparked significant backlash. While Hogan issued apologies and was later reinstated, the incident fractured his relationship with some fans and wrestlers. Despite this, Batista’s tribute focuses on the positive impact Hogan had on his life, choosing to honor the mentor who believed in him rather than dwell on the controversies.

This duality is reflected in the broader wrestling community’s response to Hogan’s passing. While some, like Batista, emphasize his contributions to the industry, others have expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging both his achievements and his flaws. Posts on platforms like Reddit and X have debated Hogan’s legacy, with some fans celebrating his role in shaping wrestling and others critiquing his personal shortcomings. This nuanced reaction underscores the challenge of reconciling Hogan’s larger-than-life persona with the man behind the character.

The Enduring Power of Belief

Batista’s tribute is a reminder of the power of belief in shaping someone’s destiny. Hogan’s encouragement gave Batista the confidence to pursue a career that led him from the wrestling ring to Hollywood, where he has starred in blockbuster films like Guardians of the Galaxy and Dune. This journey mirrors Hogan’s own crossover success, as he paved the way for wrestlers to become mainstream entertainers. The mentor-mentee dynamic between Hogan and Batista highlights the importance of support and guidance in achieving greatness, a theme that resonates beyond wrestling.

For fans, Batista’s words evoke nostalgia for an era when Hulkamania ran wild, inspiring a generation to believe in themselves. Hogan’s “demandments” of training, saying prayers, eating vitamins, and believing in oneself became a mantra for millions, and his influence on Batista shows how these principles were applied in real life. The tribute also serves as a call to reflect on the impact of mentors and role models, encouraging fans to honor those who have believed in them.

Conclusion

Batista’s tribute to Hulk Hogan is more than a farewell to a wrestling legend; it is a celebration of the belief that can change lives. By crediting Hogan for seeing his potential, Batista honors a man who not only shaped his career but also inspired countless others. While Hogan’s legacy is complex, marked by both triumphs and controversies, Batista’s words focus on the positive, highlighting the personal connection that defined their relationship. As fans continue to share their memories and love for “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan, Batista’s tribute stands as a testament to the enduring power of belief, mentorship, and the indomitable spirit of Hulkamania.