In the wake of the death of "Soulman" Rocky Johnson at the age of 75, those in the worlds of wrestling, sports, music and entertainment shared their memories of the trailblazing performer. The father of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Rocky was one half of the first black WWE tag team champions (with Tony Atlas) in 1983, and held titles for a wide range of promotions all over the world. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.
I'm Saddened To Hear About The Passing Of The GREAT ROCKY JOHNSON! I Wrestled Him Many Times Throughout His Illustrious Career. His Physique And Conditioning Were Unparalleled! He Was So Proud Of His Son Dwayne! He Raised Him To Be The Rock!! RIP Rocky Johnson! pic.twitter.com/GiXXFQhGlE
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) January 16, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of the great Rocky Johnson. Always a gentleman, I always enjoyed talking with him. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the fans who loved him. A very sad day for wrestling.#RIPRockyJohnson pic.twitter.com/4agKbOzAry
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) January 15, 2020
So sad to hear that my friend Rocky Johnson has passed away. He was an amazing man who I admired greatly! God Bless you Rocky until we see each other in heaven!! Prayers going out to Dwayne @TheRock Johnson and his family. You're in my thoughts always! Much love!
— Brutus Beefcake (@brutusbeefcake_) January 15, 2020
RIP Rocky Johnson 🙏🏿 Every Saturday in Oakland we couldn't wait to watch Big Time Wrestling !!! Rocky was our Hero !!!! He gave us hope 💪🏾💯💯💯 #RockyJohnsonRIP 👑 pic.twitter.com/MXCidy5chb
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) January 15, 2020
One of the men I looked up to and one of the best to ever do it. God rest his soul. #RIPRockyJohnson pic.twitter.com/VaTD5NsnjP
— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) January 15, 2020
I'm really sorry to hear of the passing of Rocky Johnson. We always had lovely chats and he always referred to me as "Mate". My deepest condolences to all of his family.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) January 16, 2020
RIP to the great Rocky Johnson and condolences to his family and friends.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 15, 2020
"A helluva hand!" 🤠
A loss for every fan of @WWE, Rocky Johnson was a barrier-breaking performer. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. https://t.co/nHcyt0MYfr
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 16, 2020
My prayers and deepest remorse goes out to the @TheRock and the family of @wwe HOF Soul Man Rocky Johnson. He helped paved the way for so many African Americans in this business. You will be missed . R.I.P pic.twitter.com/g4se9S8awT
— D-von Dudley (@TestifyDVon) January 15, 2020
I am saddened to hear the news of Rocky Johnson passing away. Rocky wrestled for my grandfather Stu for many years in Stampede Wrestling. I am sending so much love to @TheRock and his entire family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/d76xpu2EO7
— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) January 16, 2020
Horrible news to pass along. We just learned that Rocky Johnson passed away today at the age of 75. His accolades in this business, all the people he influenced, all his accomplishments, and we are so deeply sorry and wish his family nothing but the most love at this time pic.twitter.com/3AvzVwylPH
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) January 15, 2020
RIP Rocky Johnson.
— Singh Brothers (@SinghBrosWWE) January 15, 2020
Rocky was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia & is a Maritime Wrestling legend. 🇨🇦
Last year Maritime wrestler @kowboymh reached out & we tried to get Rocky inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports HOF.
This still needs to happen.
Deepest condolences to the family. 🙏🏽
The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to hear of the passing of Rocky Johnson.
— NWA (@nwa) January 15, 2020
His legacy stretches across every promotion. He was a champion everywhere he went including holding the NWA Georgia Championship.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. pic.twitter.com/KTqHZns6Hb
I'm so sorry to hear this news. The father of the great one. Prayers up to the johnson family. May you all find peace in this time. We love you @TheRock https://t.co/ngc9BiSpzj
— Stone Cold Shea Jackson (@OsheaJacksonJr) January 15, 2020
Very sad to hear of the passing of a legend from our business in Rocky Johnson. My deepest condolences and prayers to Rocky's family & fans. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9CkSz1UjUj
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) January 15, 2020
When I was a little kid, "Soul Man" #RockyJohnson was one of my first wrestling heroes. He was a great athlete and he was a trailblazer for so many who followed him. Condolences to @TheRock, his family and all who loved him. #legend #wrestling https://t.co/BnSN4wOp9r
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) January 15, 2020
Saddened to hear about the passing of Rocky Johnson. Rocky was always extremely friendly & kind to me every time I interacted with him over the years. My condolences & thoughts go out to his family.
— Matt Hardy in LIMBO (@MATTHARDYBRAND) January 15, 2020
His prime came while the industry's unspoken glass ceiling for African-Americans was very much in effect. But Rocky Johnson had "it". And before he passed it on to his son, he resonated with fans the way a babyface should, leaving all kinds of cracks in that glass ceiling. RIP https://t.co/RGKsMsVcLp
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) January 15, 2020
Man completely shocked hearing the news of the passing of
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) January 15, 2020
Rocky Johnson
I true pioneer in wrestling
I wanted to get this book signed Wrestlemania weekend#soulman pic.twitter.com/uZflqSf7Ci