Hulk Hogan’s Health Took A Sudden Turn After Positive Update From Manager
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on July 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM EDT
Hulk Hogan’s sudden death at age 71 shocked fans around the world, but just two days earlier, his close friend and longtime on-screen manager, Jimmy Hart, said the wrestling legend was in “phenomenal” health.
The WWE Hall of Famer, born Terry Bollea, died Thursday, July 24, after Clearwater, Florida, police responded to a 911 call for cardiac arrest.
He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Two Days Before His Death, Hulk Hogan Was Said To Be 'Doing Phenomenal'
The tragic news came after weeks of swirling rumors about Hogan’s declining health.
Speculation ramped up last month when reports claimed the wrestling legend was “on his deathbed” following complications from a recent neck surgery. At the time, reps for the star told E! News there was “no reason to panic,” and Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, also publicly denied rumors that he was in a coma, insisting his heart was “strong.”
But in a particularly bittersweet twist, Hart took to social media just two days before Hogan’s death to assure fans the wrestling icon was thriving.
“Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal!” Hart wrote. “Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!”
The update referred to a night out with Hogan’s son Nick, whom he shared with ex-wife Linda Hogan.
Hogan Remembered By WWE As A 'Pop Culture Icon'
Hogan previously opened up about his health, revealing the toll that years in the ring had taken on his body.
Despite the physical setbacks, Hogan remained active in the months leading up to his passing.
In 2024, he launched his own beer brand, Real American Beer, and continued making appearances at fan conventions and WWE events.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company said 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.”
Hulk Hogan’s 2015 Controversy Sparked A Turning Point In His Career
While Hulk Hogan’s contributions to professional wrestling were monumental, his legacy has also been shaped by controversy, most notably, a 2015 scandal involving racist language that led to his dismissal from WWE.
That year, Hogan was fired by WWE after leaked audio captured him using racial slurs while discussing his daughter Brooke’s dating life. In the transcript, which was published by Radar Online, Hogan was recorded using deeply offensive language, including the N-word multiple times.
The backlash was swift. WWE cut ties with Hogan, removed all references to him from its website, and released a statement affirming its commitment to diversity, “WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan). WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds.”
In a public apology shared with PEOPLE, Hogan addressed the remarks:
“Eight years ago, I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it. This is not who I am. I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise.”
Hogan Got Sober In 2023
In one of his most candid interviews, Hulk Hogan opened up last year about his struggles with alcohol and prescription painkillers following decades of wear and tear in the wrestling ring.
Speaking to Muscle and Health, the WWE legend revealed that after a New Year’s Eve party in late 2022, he decided to walk away from drinking for good.
“I saw myself in this environment, and I went, ‘You know what? I don’t know how I got here, but I’m done,’” Hogan, born Terry Bollea, shared. “It was just that one thing. When I’m done, I’m done.”
Hulk Hogan Revealed How Sobriety Transformed His Health And Relationships
The decision came after years of surgeries and pain management routines that, at times, spiraled into dependency. Hogan said the shift wasn’t easy, especially in a culture where drinking was often the norm.
“I’ve had certain wrestlers look at me in the face and go, ‘If you don’t have a drink with me, you’re not my friend,’” he recalled. “Well, I am your friend, but I’m not going to drink with you. What are you going to do about it?”
Hogan credited his sobriety with improving not just his mindset but his health. One unexpected benefit? “The weight just started falling off,” he said, noting that ditching booze helped curb his late-night junk food cravings.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky, his children, Brooke and Nick, and his ex-wives, Linda Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel.
