The health of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, 71, has been the subject of intense speculation and conflicting reports in recent weeks, leaving fans and the wrestling world uncertain about his true condition. While his wife and representatives have provided reassurances, persistent rumors and comments from former associates suggest a more serious situation.
Hogan has not made any public appearances since late May 2025, sparking widespread concern. This period of silence followed an appearance on Fox & Friends in early May, where his visibly changed appearance prompted social media comments about his well-being.
The saga escalated significantly in mid-June when radio personality and former friend Bubba the Love Sponge claimed on his show that Hogan was in grave condition in a Florida hospital, with family members being called to "say your goodbyes." These alarming claims were swiftly countered by Hogan's representatives, who told TMZ that he was hospitalized for ongoing neck and back issues but was "by no means on his deathbed." His business partner, Eric Bischoff, further stated that Hogan had undergone successful cervical surgery but experienced an "adverse reaction" to anesthesia, with doctors expecting a "full recovery."
However, further reports emerged, with Us Weekly citing a source claiming Hogan had undergone "pretty serious heart surgery" a few weeks prior, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
In early July, Hogan's wife, Sky Daily, directly addressed the most concerning rumors on Instagram, explicitly denying that her husband was in a coma or had suffered brain damage. She clarified that he was recovering from a "major four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)," an "intense surgery with a long and layered healing process." She also confirmed that the recovery involved his vocal cords and the use of eating and breathing tubes during the procedure, necessitating "multiple hospital stays" over the past six weeks.
Despite these reassurances, Bubba the Love Sponge has continued to disseminate alarming claims, alleging "permanent damage" to Hogan's back, vocal cords, and esophagus, and even suggesting a "pulmonary-brain crisis" with Hogan on a ventilator due to carbon dioxide buildup.
Adding to the concern within the wrestling industry, veteran journalist Dave Meltzer commented on his "Wrestling Observer Radio" show in late July that Hogan had been "in and out of the hospital" and that his prolonged absence from public view suggested "it's probably not good." Meltzer acknowledged he only knew what had been publicly stated but expressed his concern given the circumstances.
Hogan has a well-documented history of extensive surgeries due to his decades-long wrestling career. He has previously stated he's undergone over 25 surgeries in the last decade, including multiple on his back, knee and hip replacements, and shoulder procedures. He has also openly discussed his past struggles with prescription pain medication, which he credits CBD products with helping him overcome.
As of late July 2025, Hulk Hogan himself has made no public statements, and his daughter, Brooke Hogan, has also remained silent on her father's health, citing a decision to "create some distance" from her family. The conflicting information and Hogan's continued absence from the public eye leave his current condition and long-term prognosis a matter of ongoing speculation. Fans worldwide continue to hope for the best for the legendary "Hulkster."
