Hulk Hogan experienced serious health decline in weeks leading to his…
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Hulk Hogan latest: Wife Sky Daily confirms WWE legend had ‘health issues’ leading up to his death
WWE legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. His wife, Sky, confirmed in a heartbreaking Instagram post that he had been suffering from health issues. An official cause of death hasn’t been revealed, though TMZ reported he experienced “cardiac arrest” Hogan skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s, bringing professional wrestling into the mainstream.
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WWE legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71.
Medics were reportedly called to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida, home Thursday morning. An official cause of death hasn’t been revealed, though TMZ reported he experienced “cardiac arrest.”
Friday morning, Hogan’s wife, Sky, confirmed in a heartbreaking Instagram post that he had been suffering from health issues, but she had been confident he would recover.
“I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we still had more time,” Sky wrote in part.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s, bringing professional wrestling into the mainstream. He went on to become an eight-time WrestleMania headliner and six-time World Wrestling Entertainment champion, in addition to an actor and reality television personality.
Hogan was also embroiled in controversy throughout his career. A sex tape scandal and racist remarks clouded his reputation and left him asking fans for forgiveness.
The former wrestler also became a fixture during President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign, appearing at the Republican National Convention to appeal to voters.
All of the Surgeries Hulk Hogan Battled Through
Hulk Hogan opened up about his many surgeries in a September 2024 podcast appearance. The 71-year-old revealed he has had 25 surgeries in the last ten years. He also revealed he had “three or four surgeries on each knee” before finally getting them replaced. In an interview with TMZ’s Harvey Levin, Hogan revealed that 17 of his surgeries have taken place “since I’ve been with Jennifer,” referencing Jennifer McDaniel, whom he married in 2010. He said the old wrestling rings were “much harder” and recalled that a friend used to tell him, “Don’t fall, you won”t get back up!”
Getty Hulk Hogan in November 2009.
The report says the Clearwater Police Department announced a short press conference that “Hogan was experiencing a serious medical related issue.” The site also published a photo which showed a police car parked outside Hogan’s home the day of the event.
The outlet also reports that days before Hogan’s death, his former friend and radio host Todd Clem of “The Bubba the Love Sponge Show” said “Hogan’s not doing well, he can’t speak, his trachea or whatever’s damaged and he’s having problems and it does not look good.”
The trachea problem is just one of the many health issues Hogan has experienced over the years. In a September 2024 podcast appearance on Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive,” Hogan opened up about his many surgeries. Read on to see what he said.
Why Hulk Hogan Had 25 Surgeries in 10 Years
“I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last ten years,” the 71-year-old told Paul. “Yeah, ten back surgeries, he said. Giving more details, he went on, “Ten back surgeries, both knees, both hips replaced. Shoulders, everything.” He then pointed out that when he started wrestling in 1977 “the equipment was a little different than the rings and stuff you guys are working in now.”
He agreed with Paul’s estimation that the old wrestling rings were “much harder” and recalled that a friend used to tell him, “Don’t fall, you won’t get back up!” Continuing to recall the conditions, he described a 22-foot boxing ring that had “boards sticking up,” before saying, “It was horrible.” Paul pointed out, “Now you’re kinda paying the price for it.”
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Hulk Hogan’s Cause of Death May Involved a ‘Weak Heart,’ Per a Report
The morning after Hulk Hogan’s death, the New York post reported more info about what was going on with the wrestler’s health during his final weeks. The report cites an unnamed Daily Mail “insider” who said Hogan was struggling with “shortness of breath” and required an oxygen tank. He had also dropped a lot of weight and “got tired easily,” per the source.
The Post says injuries from his 40 years of wrestling combined with the effects of steroid use contributed to his demise.
In an interview with TMZ’s Harvey Levin, Hogan revealed that 17 of his surgeries have taken place “since I’ve been with Jennifer,” referencing Jennifer McDaniel, whom he married in 2010. He also revealed he had “three or four surgeries on each knee” before finally getting them replaced. At one point, the interview turned emotional as Hogan revealed his thoughts about his final legacy.
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Hulk Hogan spent final weeks battling health issues, trying to reconnect with estranged family: Report
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away Thursday morning. The 71-year-old suffered a suspected cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. An official cause of death has not yet been released. A source told the Daily Mail that Hogan had lost a significant amount of weight and struggled with basic activity while living at his mansion in Clearwater, Florida.
Hogan reportedly suffered from a “weak heart,” was on oxygen support, and experienced severe fatigue and shortness of breath in the days leading up to his death. An insider told the outlet that he had lost a significant amount of weight and struggled with even basic activity while living at his mansion in Clearwater, Florida.
“He had a lot of scores to settle,” the source said. “Didn’t want to leave anything unsaid.” According to the report, Hogan made an effort to reach out to estranged loved ones — including his daughter Brooke, with whom he had a strained relationship. The two had not spoken since shortly before Hogan’s 2023 wedding to Sky Daily, though he reportedly hoped for a reconciliation.
The wrestling icon passed away Thursday morning following a suspected cardiac arrest. Emergency services received a 911 call at approximately 10 a.m., and Hogan was transported to a nearby hospital. He was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. Officials confirmed that foul play is not suspected, although an official cause of death has not yet been released.
Clearwater Police stated that Hogan had been experiencing a “serious medical-related issue.” His declining health has been linked to a lifetime of physical punishment in the ring, steroid use, and complications from over 25 surgeries.
In the wake of his passing, rumours swirled about Hogan’s condition, including unverified claims that he had been paralysed or in a coma. These have been denied by those close to the star.
Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 – Weeks Earlier, His Wife Shared a Health Update
Hulk Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977. He faced and often defeated some of the industry’s biggest names, including Andre the Giant. Beyond the ring, Hogan carved out a successful expanded his public presence. He appeared in films such as “Rocky III,” “No Holds Barred,” and “Mr. Nanny” He also starred in TV shows including “Thunder in Paradise” and “Hogan Knows Best” and lent his name and image to commercials, video games, and even music. The Wrestling Boot Band, released an album in 1995 that reached No. 12 on Billboard’s Top Kid Audio chart. He underwent at least 25 surgeries between 2014 and 2024 alone, he told Logan Paul in 2024. He also shared that he’d had both knees and both hips replaced, along with operations on his shoulders. He continued performing for years, often pushing through pain, and died on June 10, 2015, at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife, four children, and six grandchildren.
Even as his physical condition declined, Hulk Hogan continued to present himself with resilience. He appeared at events, gave interviews, and stayed involved in wrestling circles long after most of his peers had stepped away. He spoke openly about the toll his career had taken.
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In the weeks before Hulk Hogan’s death at 71, growing speculation about his health prompted his wife to respond publicly. She addressed the circulating rumors head-on, confirming that he had recently undergone a serious medical procedure and was in the midst of recovery.
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Though she intended to dispel concern, her remarks also pointed to ongoing challenges, which were kept private. The details surrounding that update, alongside the wrestler’s long history of health issues, now frame the events that followed in a new light.
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Built for Fame, Not for Longevity
Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977, adopting the stage name that would soon become a household brand. With his towering frame, trademark blond hair, and unmistakable horseshoe mustache, he quickly rose to prominence and became one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment.
His big break came in the early 1980s when he signed with what was then known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE. By 1985, he was headlining the inaugural WrestleMania, where his explosive charisma and theatrical showmanship set a new standard for televised wrestling.
Hulk Hogan displaying his championship belt, circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Over the following decades, he faced and often defeated some of the industry’s biggest names, including Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock. Beyond the ring, Hogan carved out a successful expanded his public presence through acting and television appearances.
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He appeared in films such as “Rocky III,” “No Holds Barred,” and “Mr. Nanny.” He also starred in TV shows including “Thunder in Paradise” and “Hogan Knows Best,” which offered a glimpse into his family life. He lent his name and image to commercials, video games, and even music.
Hulk Hogan putting Tony Atlas in a headlock on July 1, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
His group, The Wrestling Boot Band, released an album in 1995 that reached No. 12 on Billboard’s Top Kid Audio chart. But behind the fame was a career built on intense physicality. As one of wrestling’s most visible figures, he maintained a grueling schedule well into his 50s, a pace that would leave lasting consequences.
Hulk Hogan pictured at Rancho Park Golf Course in Los Angeles May 19, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
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Decades of Pain: The Physical Toll of Wrestling
The showmanship that made Hogan famous also came with a heavy cost. Beneath the bright lights and roaring crowds was a career built on repeated physical punishment. From the start of his wrestling journey in the late 1970s, Hogan endured the impact of hard landings, heavy lifts, and high-risk stunts.
Hulk Hogan in mid air about to deliver an “elbow smash” to Andre the Giant’s back during their match in Montreal, Canada on August 25, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
By his own account, he underwent at least 25 surgeries between 2014 and 2024 alone. “I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last 10 years — 10 back surgeries,” he told Logan Paul in 2024. He also shared that he’d had both knees and both hips replaced, along with operations on his shoulders. Despite these setbacks, Hogan remarked, “It’s all cool, man. No regrets.”
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The conditions he wrestled in early on were especially harsh. “The equipment back in the day when I started wrestling in ’77 was a little different than the rings and stuff you guys are working in now,” he explained. He described one 22-foot boxing-style ring with exposed boards and poor padding. “Andre used to tell me, ‘Boss, don’t fall down. You won’t get back up.'”
Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant talk behind the scenes during a WWE event on October 31, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
These conditions and decades of dropping his signature leg drop move accelerated the wear on his body. In one anecdote, Hogan recalled wrestling without knee pads in Japan, weighing 330 pounds at the time. After just two years in the business, he said, “the left knee [was] already gone.” Still, he continued performing for years, often pushing through pain.
Wrestler Hulk Hogan attends the Licensing Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on June 10, 2015 | Source: Getty images
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A Major Surgery and the Speculations That Followed
In May 2025, Hogan underwent a serious spinal operation that would become a central part of his final health battle. Initially described by his representative as a “little fusion procedure” intended to make him “feel a little better,” the surgery was said to be successful.
The 71-year-old was reportedly back to work the very next day, a quick turnaround that appeared to downplay the seriousness of the operation. The following month, rumors began to circulate online, claiming that Hogan was gravely ill or even on his deathbed.
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The speculation intensified after radio host Bubba the Love Sponge, an old acquaintance of Hogan’s, claimed that the wrestling star was hospitalized with heart failure and “might not make it.” These claims spread rapidly, prompting fans to seek answers.
On July 12, Sky Daily, Hogan’s wife, took to Instagram to shut down the speculation. Sharing a screenshot of a question from a follower asking if Hogan was in a coma and dying, she responded, “No, he’s definitely not in a coma! His heart is strong, and there was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage. None of those rumors are true.”
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She then revealed the true nature of Hogan’s recent health battle, explaining that he had been recovering from a four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion — commonly referred to as ACDF surgery.
Daily explained that the procedure had affected more than just his spine. “If you look it up, you’ll see what the last six weeks have involved,” she wrote. “We’ve been in and out of the hospital to support that recovery. So truly, there’s no need for the drama or panic some people try to stir up.”
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ACDF is a serious surgical procedure performed through the front of the neck to remove pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It’s commonly used to treat degenerative disc disease, arthritis-related bone spurs, or disc herniation, conditions that build up gradually and can cause significant pain, weakness, or nerve damage over time.
After removing the problematic discs, surgeons stabilize the area by inserting a bone graft or implant, allowing the bones to fuse over time. This helps relieve chronic pain and prevent nerve damage.
Hulk Hogan poses with wife Sky Daily during the Jake Paul vs Mike Perry main event at Amalie Arena on July 20, 2024 | Source: Getty images
In Hogan’s case, the procedure was extensive, addressing four cervical levels. That kind of multi-level fusion involves greater risk and a longer recovery than standard ACDF surgeries. Though most patients return home the next day and taper off pain medication within a few weeks, the healing process can be far more demanding in complex cases.
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Hulk Hogan arrives at the premiere of HBO’s “Andre The Giant” at the Cinerama Dome on March 29, 2018 | Source: Getty images
Vocal strain, swallowing difficulty, and breathing issues are known side effects in the short term. The surgery is relatively common in the U.S., with approximately 132,000 ACDF procedures performed each year. Despite its frequency, it’s classified as major surgery, particularly when multiple vertebrae are involved, as they were in Hogan’s case.
Daily’s goal was to quiet the alarm, but in doing so, she revealed the extent of what Hogan had been facing. The family had kept the details largely private until the public narrative began to spiral out of their control.
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The Final Days and Sudden Decline
While Daily maintained a calm and reassuring tone in her update, Hogan’s condition appeared to be more fragile than previously known. A source close to the family later revealed that in his final weeks, the wrestling legend was struggling with a very “weak heart.”
According to the source, Hogan had begun to experience shortness of breath, became easily fatigued, and had lost a noticeable amount of weight. He was also said to be relying on supplemental oxygen at home. By the morning of July 24, 2025, those private concerns turned urgent.
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Clearwater Fire and Rescue received a 911 call at 9:51 a.m., reporting a cardiac emergency at Hogan’s residence in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency responders arrived and transported him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His manager, Chris Volo, later confirmed that Hogan died surrounded by family.
The sudden nature of his death contrasted with the narrative that had been presented just weeks earlier by his wife and representative. While the surgery he underwent in May was physically demanding, it was not publicly linked to any immediate life-threatening condition. Yet behind the curtain, his health had been quietly deteriorating, culminating in the cardiac event that ended his life.
Hulk Hogan dies at 71: Tributes pour in for WWE legend — follow live updates
Hulk Hogan, the professional wrestling icon credited with helping turn pro wrestling into a global phenomenon, died on Thursday morning. He was 71. Police in Clearwater, Fla., said they were dispatched to his home for what was described as a “cardiac arrest” The wrestling legend was treated by paramedics before being taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In 2015, the WWE cut ties with Hogan after he was heard making racist remarks on a leaked sex tape.
Police in Clearwater, Fla., said on Thursday that they were dispatched to his home for what was described as a “cardiac arrest.” The wrestling legend was treated by paramedics before being taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hogan’s death was confirmed in a statement posted to his Instagram page.
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“Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones,” the post read. “At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Hogan rose to fame as a member of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and was known for dramatically ripping off his shirt as he entered the ring. Vince McMahon, the cofounder and former CEO of WWE, called Hogan “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME.”
Outside the ring, he appeared in numerous movies and television shows, including a VH1 reality series, Hogan Knows Best. In 2015, the WWE cut ties with Hogan after he was heard making racist remarks on a leaked sex tape. Hogan apologized and was reinstated several years later.
In recent years, Hogan became active in politics, endorsing President Trump in a memorable appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
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“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,'” Trump said in a statement on Truth Social. “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
Tributes to Hogan have been pouring in. Follow the blog below for the latest updates and reactions to Hogan’s death.