Conflicting reports and escalating claims have created a state of public confusion regarding the health of 71-year-old wrestling icon Terry “Hulk” Hogan, who has not made a public appearance since late May 2025. While his wife and business partners state he is recovering from a major but successful neck surgery, radio personality and former friend Bubba the Love Sponge has alleged a far more dire situation involving potential brain damage and permanent injury.
The situation began in early May, when Hogan appeared on Fox & Friends to promote his new business ventures. His appearance sparked concern on social media, with viewers commenting that he looked “unwell.” On May 15, a representative for Hogan told TMZ that he had undergone a “little fusion procedure” on his neck and was recovering quickly. His last known public appearance was a photo opportunity with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis later that month.
Following these events, Hogan ceased all public activity.
On June 18, the narrative intensified when Bubba the Love Sponge, whose real name is Todd Clem, claimed on his radio show that Hogan was in a Florida hospital and that the situation was “not good.” He alleged that family members were being called to “say your goodbyes.”
Hogan’s camp immediately issued counter-statements. A representative told TMZ that Hogan was hospitalized for lingering neck and back issues, but was “by no means on his deathbed.” Hogan’s business partner, Eric Bischoff, stated that Hogan had a “very successful cervical surgery” but experienced an “adverse reaction” to anesthesia, adding that doctors expected a “full recovery.”
That same day, Us Weekly published a report citing a source who claimed Hogan had undergone a “pretty serious heart surgery a few weeks ago” but was recovering and not in critical condition. This directly contradicted the “neck and back” narrative from Hogan’s team.
In the weeks that followed, Bubba the Love Sponge continued to release a series of increasingly alarming claims on his social media channels. He alleged that Hogan’s surgery had caused “permanent damage” to his back, vocal cords, and esophagus. On July 1, he claimed the situation had evolved into a “pulmonary-brain crisis,” alleging Hogan was on a ventilator and that a buildup of carbon dioxide may have caused “serious mental fog—or worse.” He also pointed to Hogan’s failure to appear at a scheduled July 4th event at Armature Works in Tampa as evidence of the severity of his condition.
In early July, Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, released a detailed statement on her Instagram account to address the rumors. She explicitly denied that Hogan was in a coma or had suffered brain damage, stating his “heart is strong.” She confirmed, however, that he was recovering from a “major four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF),” which she called an “intense surgery with a long and layered healing process.” Daily acknowledged the recovery involved his vocal cords, the use of eating and breathing tubes during the procedure, and “multiple hospital stays” over the previous six weeks.
Bubba the Love Sponge interpreted Daily’s statement as a confirmation of the seriousness of his reports, highlighting her admission of a major surgery with significant complications.
Adding to the concern from within the wrestling industry, veteran journalist Dave Meltzer stated on his July 20 Wrestling Observer Radio show, “He’s obviously been in and out of the hospital. It’s probably not good. We have not seen any public appearances or anything in weeks.” While expressing his concern, Meltzer made a point to say that he only knows what has been said publicly about Hogan.
The health crisis unfolds as Hogan is launching a new business venture, the ‘Real American Freestyle’ (RAF) wrestling league, for which he serves as commissioner. The league’s inaugural event is scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland’s Wolstein Center, an arena with a capacity of over 13,000. Ticket sales for the event have been slow. According to the latest data from the ticket-tracking account WrestleTix, only 639 tickets had been distributed for a show being held in a building that can seat over 13,000 people.
Hogan has a well-documented history of health issues stemming from his long wrestling career, having undergone at least 25 major surgeries in the last decade, including 10 on his back and replacements for both knees and hips.
As of late July, Hogan has made no public statements himself. His daughter, Brooke Hogan, has also not commented on her father’s health, having previously announced her decision to “create some distance” from her family. The conflicting reports and Hogan’s continued silence leave his current condition and prognosis unclear.
Whatever the reality of his health situation, fans and observers alike hope for his full recovery and that he will be able to continue to live a full life. What are your thoughts on Hulk Hogan and the news/rumors about his health situation? Leave your thoughts on our Facebook page by clicking below.
