The Rock Reacts To Passing Of Road Warrior Animal

The news of Road Warrior Animal’s passing made its way through wrestling yesterday. One half of one of the greatest tag teams of all time, Animal passed away at the young age of 60. A number of stars have already paid tribute on social media but now The Rock has made a post of his own.

Taking to Instagram, The Rock made sure to credit the Road Warriors for helping him learn when he broke into the business. Here is the post and full quote:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFgIe8-lGDR/?utm_source=ig_embed

“RIP brother.
Really saddened to wake up to this news today — the passing of my friend, Joe Laurinaitis (on the left) aka ROAD WARRIOR ANIMAL.
Joe & Mike aka HAWK & ANIMAL, THE ROAD WARRIORS were the most intense, legit tough bad asses tag team in the history of the wild world of pro wrestling.
When I was making my bones, still learning the business in the WWE as a very young “The Rock” – I wrestled these guys so many times on the road and they always took good care of me and made sure I learned.
Tough as nails.
Good men.
Greatest tag team of all time.
And apple fritters (our inside joke).
Much love and I’ll always be grateful to you both.
RIP.”

The Rock wrestled the Road Warriors many times in 1996 and 1997. This includes a pair of matches on pay per view in 1997 at Badd Blood and Survivor Series.

The Road Warriors remain one of the most legendary tag teams of all time. Their reign of dominance in the NWA captured the imagination of many fans and future wrestlers alike.

What are your favourite memories of Hawk and Animal? Let us know on Twitter!