The Rock posts heartbreaking tribute to Hulk Hogan after his death aged 71

The Rock has posted an emotional tribute to Hulk Hogan after the WWE star died aged 71.

Last month, it was reported that Hogan was recovering from a major operation on his heart, and a source close to the wrestler spoke about it to US Weekly.

They said: “Hulk had pretty serious heart surgery a few weeks ago and was doing well afterward.”

Early reports indicated that the wrestling icon suffered a cardiac arrest while at his home at Florida, however, this has not yet been confirmed.

Tributes have been flooding in for Hogan, including from The Rock himself.

Dwayne Johnson penned on Instagram: "Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan. To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero - myself included.

"In 1984, I gave you your “HULKSTER” headband back, in the locker room in Madison Square Garden - I was the lucky kid caught it when you threw it in the crowd. You were wrestling “Mr Wonderful”, Paul Orndorff that night in the main event.

"You were shocked and so happy after the match because you told me that was your very last headband and if it weren’t for me, you’d have no way of getting that exact one made again.

"You promised me that you would get more made and give me a Hulkster headband of my own as a thank you gift.

"A month later in Madison Square Garden, you did just that. You kept your word, with a handshake and a 'thanks kid'.

"And that meant the world to that little 12 year old boy."