Hulk Hogan's team were forced to deny speculation he was extremely ill just weeks before his death. The WWE icon has died aged 71, after suffering a cardiac arrest, it has been confirmed.
In May, Hulk underwent minor surgery for a "little fusion procedure" on his neck, which prompted social media speculation. One YouTuber had claimed that sources had informed him that things were "not looking good" for the icon.
However, a spokesperson for Hulk furiously denied this and insisted he was in full health. But a representative for the late star furiously denied the speculation.
They said that Hulk's surgery had been "successful" and there were "no reasons to panic." They went on to add that: "He just needs from time to time a medical check up." There had been multiple reports about Hulk's medical procedure, with some speculating that he had undergone "pretty serious heart surgery."
READ MORE: Hulk Hogan dead UPDATES: WWE legend suffers 'cardiac arrest' at 71
However, this was dismissed by his spokesperson, who insisted he didn't "have any heart problems." But just days before his death, the wrestling star was said to have been "unable to speak" and was being monitored at his Florida home.
The Hulkster - who was admitted to hospital last month - was said to have been transferred home from hospital following an adverse reaction to neck surgery. But former manager and longtime mate Jimmy Hart reportedly said the WWE Hall of Famer, 71, was unable to talk.
YouTuber Bubba the Love Sponge said: "Here's what I got from my security guard: [Hulk Hogan] was transported to his house, but he's in a hospital bed. They've gone as far as they can go at the hospital now. They're keeping him comfortable.
"If you're hooked up to two machines and you're just laying there and you could have your own doctor show up at your house because you have so much money. He's not in such dire needs that he needs to be in close proximity to emergency facility. Like he's stable enough to be at home."
Bubba added: "But rather than just be sitting here getting bed sores and muscle atrophy at Morton Plant [Hospital in Clearwater], I can at least be home, get doctors and nurses to swing by my place to continue to check up on me. But I've been told that that's where he's at.
"And the security guard said the measures that they went to make sure nobody saw him transported in an ambulance to his home was like Michael Jackson type stuff. My source says allegedly it was all done through like the loading docks with unmarked ambulances followed by an escort, then followed by backed up to the house with the garage door open.
"That happened in the middle of the night." Over the years, Hulk had suffered various health issues and undergone multiple operations on his back, hips, and had shoulder replacements. Speaking in September 2024, he said: "I've had like 25 surgeries in the last ten years. 10 of them were back surgeries." He went on to tell Jake Paul on the Impaulsive podcast: "I've had 10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything."
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