Rumors spread like wildfire on June 18, 2025, claiming WWE icon Hulk Hogan was hospitalized and on his deathbed. Social media erupted, fans panicked, and conjecture ran rampant—only to be swiftly debunked by reliable sources. Let’s break down what really happened.
What Spurred the Deathbed Rumors?
The initial claim came from Florida radio host Bubba the Love Sponge, who said he had “rock-solid” info suggesting Hogan was hospitalized in critical condition and that family members were being called in to say their last goodbyes. The alarming narrative of “might not make it” hit mainstream after Bubba called it “pretty damn reliable”.
For a brief moment, fans feared the worst.
The Truth Revealed by Reliable Sources
Contrary to the panic, Hogan’s representatives quickly discredited the deathbed narrative:
-
They confirmed Hogan was hospitalized—but for routine treatment related to chronic neck and back issues, not a critical condition.
-
A TMZ Sports rep emphatically stated, “Hulk Hogan is NOT dying.” He’s up, moving around, and recovering well.
-
Long-time friend Eric Bischoff added Hogan had a “very successful cervical surgery,” experienced some reaction, but was expected to go home later that day with a full recovery in sight.
Hogan’s Hospitalization & Recovery
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason for Hospital | Chronic neck/back issues, follow-up care, post-fusion surgery management |
| Recent Surgery | Neck fusion procedure performed in May; described as minor by Hogan’s team |
| Medical Response | Quick recovery—walking, up and about within 24 hours |
| Rep & Bischoff’s Word | Rep: “Not close to death.” Eric Bischoff: “Expected full recovery.” |
Why the Rumors Gained Traction
Why did fans go into panic mode so fast?
-
Bubba’s History with Hogan: Known controversially through shared past—like the leaked sex tape and lawsuits—his dramatic style fueled the narrative.
-
Lack of Context: The on-air comments lacked nuance, stating only that family say “your goodbyes,” which sounded ominous without real context.
-
Social Media Hysteria: Platforms amplified the claim rapidly before Hogan’s team could respond, creating a viral misinformation loop.
The Bigger Picture—Why It Matters
This incident illuminates a growing challenge: how easily a single unverified claim can trigger mass panic. Here are the takeaways:
-
Always Verify: Wait for statements from the person involved or their representatives.
-
Beware of Sensationalism: Media outlets and personalities with a flair for drama can mislead—even unintentionally.
-
Correct Quickly: Hogan’s reps and trusted outlets acted fast to neutralize the panic.
Conclusion: Hulkamania Is Still Going Strong
No, Hulk Hogan is not on his deathbed. At 71, he’s hospitalized periodically for well-documented neck and back issues stemming from decades of wrestling—but his latest check-in was just standard post-op care. With a swift recovery underway and assurances of full strength ahead, the legend is far from done. Hulkamania lives on!