San Miguel Beermen’s Mo Tautuaa during Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against TNT Tropang 5G. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Mo Tautuaa was all smiles after helping San Miguel Beer clinch the PBA Philippine Cup championship on Friday night at Philsports Arena.
But the celebration was tinged with sadness following heartbreaking news that emerged just a day later.
HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 6 – San Miguel vs TNT
Terry Bollea, better known to wrestling fans as Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71, just 24 hours before the Beermen’s Game 6 win over TNT.
“In my heart, it’s a great day, we won the championship but I know you guys heard the news. Hulk Hogan, rest in peace,” said Tautuaa with the Inquirer after their 107-96 win over the Tropang 5G.
“We dedicate this for him. Hulk, this is for you, man.”
READ: San Miguel rules PBA Philippine Cup, thwarts TNT’s Grand Slam bid
A self-proclaimed wrestling fan, Tautuaa was devastated by the death of Hogan, who reportedly succumbed to cardiac arrest.
The bruiser out of San Francisco, California, shared that much of his pre-game routine and mindset were inspired by the wrestling legend.
“He’s someone I grew up watching. I rip my shirts because of him. All the shirts I rip, from this point on, will be for him.”
“I even read about it at like three in the morning. Rest in peace to a legend, an icon. Gone too soon.”
Tautuaa played like he was not lacking motivation, helping the Beermen close out TNT with 10 points, four rebounds and two blocks.
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The Filipino-Tongan won his third title with the storied San Miguel Beer franchise.