18 years ago, two wrestling icons squared off inside the SkyDome at WrestleMania X8 in Toronto, and they delivered an all-time classic that is still widely discussed today.

The Rock, who was WWE's second biggest start at the time behind 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, went toe-to-toe with none other than Hulk Hogan - the man who was regarded as the face of professional wrestling for nearly two decades.

Hogan had just returned to the WWE a weeks earlier, two years after his controversial departure from the rival WCW promotion. He quickly began feuding with The Rock, and they agreed to a dream match at WrestleMania X8.

The electrifying crowd in Toronto made this match all the more legendary. They gave Hogan the ultimate babyface treatment (even though he was portraying a heel), while The Rock - a perennial fan favorite - was met with boos.

But when all was said and done, The Rock was able to put Hogan away via pinfall after two quick Rock Bottoms and a People's Elbow. The two shook hands after the match, and The Hulkster turned face again when he and Rock fought off Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, Hogan's New World Order allies.

So, what did Hogan have to say to The Rock after their timeless classic in Toronto? The People's Champion revealed it in a video on his Instagram page (via Alex McCarthy of talkSPORT.com).

"When we got to the back," The Rock explained, "I gave Hogan the biggest, hardest hug I could and I said 'thank you for passing the torch'. He said, ‘you deserve it, brother', or something to that effect. 'Carry it well, like I did when Andre passed me the torch'."

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The Hulkster had quite a history of refusing to put other talents over, especially during his time in WCW. But he had no problems "passing the torch" over to The Rock, who was already an established icon in the wrestling business.

Hogan and The Rock teamed up in a handful of matches following WrestleMania X8, mostly against Nash and Hall. They had a rematch at No Way Out 2003, where The Rock once again emerged victorious over Hogan.

This Was A Career-Defining Match For The Rock

The Rock was already among the world's greatest wrestlers when Hogan arrived in WWE. But this match at WrestleMania X8 was truly career-defining for The Rock. Very few superstars can brag about a clean win over Hogan - especially on the Grandest Stage of Them All. The Rock, simply put, cemented his wrestling legacy for good after this win over Hogan.

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