Hulk Hogan's associate Eric Bischoff details his last encounter with Hogan two weeks before his demise, stating Hogan's frailty.
Hulk Hogan, the iconic professional wrestler, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, following a heart attack. In the months leading up to his death, Hogan faced significant health challenges.
A Decline in Health
On May 14, 2025, Hogan underwent a four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure. Following this surgery, his health began to decline rapidly. Close friends like Jimmy Hart and Eric Bischoff noted that Hogan became weaker and less communicative, to the point where he avoided visitors to prevent infection.
Hogan had a history of atrial fibrillation and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. These chronic conditions, combined with the complications from his surgeries, took a toll on his health.
Final Meetings and Work
Despite his deteriorating condition, Hogan was still involved in professional wrestling projects. He was working with Eric Bischoff on a venture called Real American Freestyle Wrestling.
In the days leading up to his death, Hogan was unable to speak, and his friends were aware of the severity of his health issues. Bubba the Love Sponge, a radio personality and former friend, revealed that Hogan was seriously ill and not expected to recover.
Despite his ill health, Hulk Hogan was eager to talk about the Real American Freestyle wrestling league and offered to do phone interviews to promote the upcoming event. The league announced a television deal with Fox Nation just days before Hulk Hogan's death, and the first event was scheduled to take place in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 30.
The Heartbreaking End
Hulk Hogan's death came as a "huge shock" to his family and friends. He was discharged from the hospital after an undisclosed surgery a few weeks before his death and was recovering at home in Clearwater, Florida.
During a visit with Eric Bischoff a couple of weeks before Hogan's death, Hogan had a nurse present to help with his health issues, including elevating his legs and providing oxygen. Despite his weakened state, Hogan was still anxious to know about the status of the Real American Freestyle wrestling league's first event.
On July 24, 2025, Hulk Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at his home and passed away. He was survived by his wife, Sky Daily, daughter Brooke, 37, and son Nick, 35.
Hulk Hogan's legacy in the world of professional wrestling will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. His spirit and determination, even in the face of adversity, continue to inspire fans and colleagues alike.
Although struggling with health challenges due to his chronic conditions and complications from surgeries, Hulk Hogan continued to work on a business project in the entertainment industry, a venture called Real American Freestyle Wrestling, even in his final days before his passing.
Despite being critically ill and not expected to recover, Hulk Hogan expressed interest in discussing the league and even offered phone interviews to promote the upcoming event, demonstrating his unwavering passion for the business of entertainment, even in the most challenging circumstances.
