Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler, passed away at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest, with new revelations uncovering his struggle with exhaustion and chronic overwork. In a revealing admission during Logan Paul’s podcast, Hogan disclosed his severe lack of sleep, shedding light on the pressures he faced just before his untimely death.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, forever redefined the face of professional wrestling and became a cultural icon beyond the ring. His influence extended to movies and business ventures, including the popular “Real American Beer.” Despite controversies throughout his career, Hogan remained a pivotal figure, especially noted for main-eventing the first eight WrestleMania events and thrilling fans worldwide. However, beneath the surface of this celebrated persona was a man battling intense physical strain and exhaustion.
Conflicting Reports on Hogan’s Final Hours and Management Struggles
According to the Clearwater Police and Fire Departments, Hogan’s family called emergency services after he suffered cardiac arrest at home. Paramedics administered CPR for nearly 30 minutes before transferring him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His family publicly mourned the loss, urging fans to honor his lasting legacy.
WWE expressed deep sorrow at the news, emphasizing Hogan’s immense influence on the company’s global rise during the 1980s.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. 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.” — WWE (@WWE)
Although authorities reported no evidence of foul play, new findings presented by Jimmy Van, founder of Fightful, suggested overlooked warning signs in Hogan’s condition. Van revealed that Hogan was frustrated with his management’s relentless demands, particularly related to promoting his beer brand, which he felt was physically draining him. Hogan openly admitted on Logan Paul’s podcast that he barely slept, saying he went to bed at 3 a.m. and managed only two hours before appearing on the show.
The wrestler also spoke candidly about his numerous surgeries on his knees, back, and shoulders, underscoring how these physical issues made rest essential yet elusive.
“People close to Hulk Hogan had told me that they weren’t happy that his management team was ‘running him into the ground’ promoting his beer brand over the last year. Here is a clip from Logan Paul’s podcast last summer talking about the grind and lack of sleep.” — Jimmy Van, Founder of Fightful.com
Further controversy arose around the promotion of Real American Beer, with reports indicating legal troubles and conflicting public accounts about Hogan’s health. His manager, Jimmy Hart, maintained that Hogan was doing well shortly before his death, contradicting other sources such as Bubba the Love Sponge, who warned that Hogan was in poor condition. This discrepancy highlighted the complex dynamics around Hogan’s final year and the pressures he faced behind the scenes.
Worldwide Reactions to the Passing of a Wrestling Legend
Hogan’s death prompted heartfelt responses from some of the most prominent figures in wrestling and entertainment. Vince McMahon, despite his own controversies, acknowledged his complicated relationship with Hogan but affirmed his status as the greatest superstar in wrestling history. Ric Flair succinctly declared,
“Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you.” — Ric Flair
Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone praised Hogan’s role in the film Rocky III, calling him “absolutely wonderful” and highlighting his contribution to the movie’s enduring success. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump lauded Hogan’s character, describing him as
“Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
“MAGA all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.” — Donald Trump
Hogan’s memorable in-ring rivalries—with stars such as Andre the Giant, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper, Randy ‘Machoman’ Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, and The Rock—cemented his place as a pro-wrestling icon destined for greatness from the start. He was renowned not only for his wrestling prowess but also for his unabashed patriotism and larger-than-life persona. Yet, he was not immune to controversy; his recent appearances in WWE met with mixed reactions, including a notably hostile reception at Netflix’s Raw premiere, after which his in-person WWE appearances dwindled.
Hogan’s Unfinished Ambitions and Future Projects
Shortly before his death, Hogan was preparing to launch a new wrestling promotion called Real American Freestyle Wrestling, in collaboration with Eric Bischoff. They promised fans a thrilling new venture that was anticipated to make a significant impact. However, Vince Russo, another figure in professional wrestling, expressed skepticism about such claims, noting Hogan’s history of announcing promotions that never materialized.
Despite personal and professional challenges, Hogan’s influence on wrestling fans and the industry remained undeniable. His charisma in the ring and his patriotic anthems left a lasting impression, even as controversies and health issues clouded his final years. Hogan’s legacy is one of a complex figure who embodied both triumph and struggle.
The wrestling community and fans worldwide continue to reflect on Hogan’s unique contributions and the moments that defined his career, celebrating his impact while recognizing the difficulties he faced in his personal life and health.
