Hulk Hogan dies at 71: Understanding WWE legend’s health struggles and reported cause of death

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday, leaving the entire wrestling world in shock as tributes poured in on social media. From 16-time world champion Ric Flair to WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H, every superstar from the past to the present has shared a message of condolence for ‘Hulkamania’.

The news has been hard to digest for all the fans, who grew up watching Hulk Hogan or have heard about his glorious run in the ring. What adds to the shock is the fact that he made his WWE appearance just seven months ago at the WWE Raw’s Netflix premiere.

While it was not a memorable return as he was jeered and booed by the Los Angeles crowd, it will go down as his final WWE appearance.

How did Hulk Hogan die?

Hulk Hogan appeared physically fit and impressive during his January WWE entrance. However, his death has been attributed to health issues he faced. The cause of death has been confirmed to be cardiac arrest.

Emergency responders were dispatched to Hulk Hogan’s residence in Clearwater, Florida, after a cardiac emergency call. The family hasn’t issued an official statement regarding his passing.

Hulk Hogan’s health issues

Hulk Hogan had undergone several surgeries in recent years, including back operations, knee and hip replacements, shoulder surgeries, as well as procedures on his eyes and abdomen.

“I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last ten years. 10 of them were back surgeries,” he told Jake Paul on the IMPAULSIVE podcast in September last year. “I’ve had 10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”

In May, he was admitted to a hospital due to neck and back problems, following which he underwent a cervical fusion surgery, described as a “minor fusion procedure."

After the surgery, grave rumours surfaced that said Hogan was on his “deathbed,” but his representatives quickly put the claims to bed, confirming that he was recovering from the neck procedure.

Though Hulk Hogan may be gone, his legacy lives on, touching millions and cementing his immortality. WWE’s eternal phrase, “Then, Now, Forever,” truly embodies its everlasting impact on the sport.