PHOTOSHulk Hogan's Health Issues Over the Years: Everything He Endured Before His Death at 71
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan endured multiple health problems in the years leading up to his death on July 24.
Aug. 23 2025, Published 6:00 a.m. ET
Hulk Hogan Sustained Multiple Injuries During His Wrestling Years
Hulk Hogan died on July 24 at the age of 71.
Hulk Hogan wrestled with health problems in the years leading up to his death.
The WWE legend, who launched his wrestling career with his World Wrestling Federation debut in November 1979, sustained injuries during long matches that eventually led to his back and knee issues.
In an interview with The Howard Stern Show, Hogan revealed he had "never had a match where [he] did not get hurt." Some of the injuries required him to undergo procedures, which reportedly left him struggling to walk at times.
Hulk Hogan First Underwent a Spinal Fusion Surgery in 2010
Authorities said they received a call for a cardiac arrest.
Between February 2009 and August 2010, the WWE Hall of Famer underwent multiple endoscopic surgical procedures as part of the traditional spinal surgery suggested to him by renowned spine surgeons. The operation allowed him to return to wrestling, though it later prompted him to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
In the $50 million malpractice suit he filed against Laser Spine Institute in 2013, Hogan claimed he experienced short-term relief for two to three weeks after undergoing six "unnecessary" procedures in 19 months. However, they eventually worsened his condition.
The Tampa-based institute issued a statement after Hogan submitted the filing, saying they "[care] about its patients and their outcomes, and [are] proud to have helped thousands of patients achieve a better quality of life."
Hulk Hogan Had More Than 20 Surgeries
Hulk Hogan was taken to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In a September 2024 episode of the "Impaulsive" podcast, Hogan detailed the severity of his wrestling injuries, revealing he had "like 25 surgeries in the last 10 years. Ten of them were back injuries."
"Nobody told me this gimmick stuff was fake. I've had 10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything," he told host Logan Paul.
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Hulk Hogan Also Underwent Neck Surgery
His manner of death was ruled natural.
In May, a representative for Hogan told TMZ the WWE superstar had a "little fusion procedure" on his neck to make him "feel a little better."
Further details about the operation were not disclosed, but Hogan's spokesperson said he was back to work the following day after the "successful" surgery.
Hulk Hogan's Cause of Death Was Listed as Acute Myocardial Infarction
Hulk Hogan's death was certified by his primary care doctor.
Amid concerns over Hogan's health, radio host Bubba the Love Sponge fueled speculation when he claimed he heard rumors about the WWF Champion being on his deathbed.
"Allegedly, Hogan is in the hospital, and I've heard people say that he might not make it," the host said in June. "I think it's a heart issue. I've been told that he publicly talked about a neck fusion surgery."
The following month, Hogan died of an acute myocardial infarction, or a heart attack, at the age of 71.
Hulk Hogan Battled Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Atrial Fibrillation
The medical examiner also determined Hulk Hogan had a history of blood cancer and an irregular heartbeat.
According to Hogan's medical records, the late media personality also had a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and atrial fibrillation. His cremation approval summary report listed the blood cancer as one of the causes of his heart attack.
