The rumours that wrestling legend Hulk Hogan was on his deathbed have been completely refuted this week. It was reported by Florida radio host Bubba Love Sponge, who said on June 18 that Hogan was in the hospital and was reportedly not going to survive, and family members were reportedly being called to say their goodbyes. These shocking words created panic among online fans, but the team of Hogan soon came in to clarify the matter.
Representatives of WWE Hall of Famer, whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, made it clear that Hogan had actually been hospitalized only to deal with long-term neck injuries and back pains due to years of wear and tear, and that his neck fusion surgery had been successful. PWInsider and a long-time friend Eric Bischoff further noted that surgery on cervical part of Hogan was a success, and any response was mild and the recovery was likely to be fast.
Stable, not dire: a bigger picture
He is 71 and has had more than 25 procedures in last 10 years, including 10 back operations, knee and hip replacements and work on his shoulder. Although his physical condition is a very taxing career as a wrestler, he is still in business with things like starting a new wrestling league and looking at starting up elsewhere. His camp encourages fans not to believe the sensationalist allegations and rather believe official medical reports.
The deathbed legends are myths. He is stable, recovering well, and far from a critical state. The scare is a warning about the speed at which unproven claims might end up as rumours, perhaps particularly so when they are based on genuine health fears. So long as his rep, medical team, and those voices that he trusts, TMZ, PWInsider and Bischoff keep on confirming his condition, fans can hope that the Hulkster will be back on his feet and in public eye very soon.