Jimmy Hart legendary WWE manager and longtime friend of Hulk Hogan recently opened up about the last time he reached out to the wrestling icon. According to Hart, the call happened just hours before Hogan’s unexpected cardiac arrest, and it painted a picture of normalcy that made the tragic outcome all the more jarring.
A Positive Night Turns into Tragedy Overnight
Hart recalled calling Hogan’s home on Wednesday night and speaking not to Hogan directly, but to his assistant, who assured him that Hulk was “doing great.” Hart walked away feeling relieved and upbeat only to learn the following morning that Hogan had suffered cardiac arrest and passed away at age 71.
That swift reversal from health to tragedy stunned Hart. He described it as an emotional gut punch, saying, “It just hits so fast… We thought he was doing so well.”
Decades of Friendship On and Off the Road
Hart and Hogan’s friendship stretched back to their early Memphis days and followed them through WWE, WCW, and times together on the road. Hart compared traveling with Hogan to traveling with Elvis everywhere fans swarmed them in awe.
They shared karaoke nights with Hogan’s son Nick and watched wrestling together regularly. Despite Hogan’s deteriorating health and numerous surgeries, Hart described him as a kindhearted person who remained passionate about the industry.
Health Struggles Shadowed Hulkamania’s Final Chapter
Hogan’s final years were marred by chronic neck and back pain, leading to multiple surgeries on his shoulders, hips, and knees. He even underwent neck surgery shortly before his death due to numbness in his fingers.
Despite visible health issues, the wrestling superstar maintained a resilient public face until the end. Hart affirmed he chose not to visit Hogan during his recovery to avoid risking infection.
Key Highlights of Jimmy Hart’s Recollection
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing of Last Call | Wednesday night before Hogan’s death |
| Assistant’s Message | Hogan was “doing great” and in positive spirits |
| Hart’s Initial Emotion | Relief and optimism |
| Health Decline Turns Fast | Overnight from wellness to fatal cardiac arrest |
| Legacy of Friendship | Decades-long bond across promotions and life events |
Conclusion
Jimmy Hart’s recollection of his final call with Hulk Hogan highlights the unpredictability of life how moments of hope can swiftly turn into grief. The contrast between that upbeat phone exchange and the tragedy that followed underscores the fragility beneath even the most powerful personas. For Hart and the wrestling community, it was a powerful reminder: Hulkamania may have had its final bell, but the friendship and legacy endure.