WWE legend Hulk Hogan battled devastating health struggles throughout the final years of his life.
The iconic wrestler was unable to feel his legs and needed a cane to walk before his death at 71.
Hulk Hogan, who died on Thursday at age 71Getty Images – Getty
GettyHogan attends the Fanatics Fest at Jacob Javits Center in New York City on August 17, 2024N[/caption]
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died in a Florida hospital on Thursday morning, days after his ex-wife shared a throwback picture of him.
First responders transported him to the hospital from his Clearwater home after receiving a call for cardiac arrest, police said.
Before his death, the iconic wrestler publicly suffered through surgeries and hospitalizations for chronic neck and back pain caused by years of heavy weight-training and brawling in the ring.
RECENT SURGERY
Just last month, he was hospitalized for lingering neck and back pain, sparking rumors on social media that Hogan was on his “death bed.”
Hogan’s representatives shot down the speculation and said he was hospitalized due to “more of the same ailments” that he had for years, TMZ reported at the time.
He reportedly underwent a surgery described as a “little fusion procedure.”
His wife, Sky Daily, also shot down the rumors on social media.
“No, he’s definitely not in a coma!” she told fans on her Instagram Story, according to PennLive.
“His heart is strong, and there was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage. None of those rumors are true.”
Daily, a yoga teacher, then explained that Hogan was recovering after a complex procedure.
“He’s been recovering from a major four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and [Fusion], which is an intense surgery with a long and layered healing process,” she wrote.
“If you look it up, you’ll see what the last six weeks have involved… not just for his spine, but also for his vocal cords, and the eating/breathing tubes that are clamped over during surgery.”
ACDF treats pinched nerves in the neck by removing damaged discs and stabilizing the spine.
Daily said the couple, who were married in September 2023, had been “in and out of the hospital” during recovery, so there was no need for drama stirred up by fans.
“He’s healing and we’re taking it one day at a time with love, strength, and patience,” she added.
Police statement on Hulk Hogan’s death
Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach. The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
A media briefing will be at 1:30 p.m. at Clearwater Police Department headquarters, 645 Pierce St. Some parking is available east of the building; additional parking is in the old fire station parking lot just west of police headquarters.
The briefing is being held at the police department in an attempt to protect the privacy of the family. Any media compelled to respond to the scene should park in the rear of the Carlouel Yacht Club, 1091 Eldorado Ave. The staging area is located at Eldorado and Bay Esplanade.
Just two days before his death, Hogan’s manager Jimmy Hart also assured fans that Hogan was fine.
“Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal!” Hart wrote on X.
“Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!”
Hogan is survived by his son, Nick, and his estranged daughter, Brooke.
‘LOST FEELING IN LEGS’
In February 2023, Hogan was pictured walking with a cane.
A month earlier, friend and fellow wrestler Kurt Angle revealed Hogan had lost all feeling in the lower half of his body following a recent back surgery.
AFPHulk Hogan greets the crowd during the WWE Crown Jewel at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on November 2, 2018[/caption]
Getty – ContributorHulk Hogan at the NATPE Convention in January 1994 in Miami, Florida[/caption]
Speaking on his self-titled program, The Kurt Angle Show, Angle said, “He had the nerves cut from his lower body. He can’t feel his lower body. So [he] uses his cane to walk around.”
He added, “I thought he was using the cane because he had pain in his back.
“He doesn’t have any pain. He has nothing at all. He can’t feel anything.”
However, Hogan’s representative denied Angle’s claim and said he wasn’t paralyzed.
“Everything is OK with him. Hulk is someone with a lot of humour,” the spokesperson told Entertainment Tonight at the time.
Hulk Hogan tributes
Tributes have poured in for Hulk Hogan following his death at 71 years old.
“When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.” – Charlotte Flair
“Saddened To Hear About The Passing of Hulk Hogan…I Guess God Needed An Incredible Angel. R.I.P. My Friend.” – Sergeant Slaughter
“He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!” – Ric Flair
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.” – WWE
“R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN.” – Donald Trump Jr.
“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.” – Vice President JD Vance
After news of Hogan’s death was announced on Thursday, tributes immediately started pouring in for the recognizable figure.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” WWE shared in a statement.
“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Pro wrestling star Ric Flair wrote, “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend.
“Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me,” he wrote.
“He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside.
“Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!”
Although Hogan suffered the consequences of his storied career towards the end of his life, he was considered the most formidable hero of the sport at his prime.
The infamous 6-foot, 320-pound figure rose to fame in the 1980s for his mustache and bright yellow wrestling tights.
One of Hogan’s most memorable fights was against Andre the Giant at the legendary Wrestlemania III – arguably the most iconic moment in wrestling history, despite the venue now being unrecognizable.
GettyHulk Hogan at a campaign rally for Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 27, 2024[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
