Pro wrestler Hulk Hogan hospitalised, but not on 'deathbed'

Hulk Hogan’s representative has addressed a circulating death hoax about the WWE Hall of Famer, saying there were “no reasons to panic” and that he had instead been hospitalised for neck and back issues.

Rumours that the 71-year-old Terry Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, was on his deathbed started circulating on Jun. 18, after ex-radio host Bubba The Love Sponge claimed in a video that Bollea was “allegedly” in the hospital and “might not make it”.

“I got some pretty reliable information last night that there are phone calls being made to various family members about getting to town to come say your goodbyes,” said Bubba, real name Todd Clem.

Not dying, just neck and back problems

Bollea’s representative clarified to E! News that the former wrestler was indeed hospitalised, though it was for “problems with his back” he has had for years, in addition to neck issues.

Newsweek reported that in May, Bollea’s representative said he underwent a “little” neck fusion procedure and was reportedly back to work the following day.

The media outlet observed that the wrestler seemed no stranger to surgeries, getting one every few years.

In Sep. 2024, Bollea said during an interview on influencer Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast that he had undergone 25 surgeries over the last 10 years.

“I’ve had 10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders – everything”

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Top image via Hulk Hogan/Facebook