Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a world without the 24-inch pythons. For anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s, Hulk Hogan wasn't just a wrestler; he was a living, breathing superhero in neon spandex. But lately, the Hulk Hogan news cycle has turned from "Whatcha gonna do, brother?" to a much more somber reflection on a life lived at maximum volume.
The wrestling world stood still on July 24, 2025. Terry Gene Bollea, the man behind the bandana, passed away at 71 after a sudden cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. It’s been a few months now, and we’re finally starting to get the full picture of what his final days actually looked like.
The Health Battles We Didn't See
You’ve probably heard the rumors over the years about his back. Hogan himself was pretty open about it, once mentioning he’d had over ten surgeries. But the reality was way grimmer. According to reports that surfaced after his passing, Hogan had been fighting a private war with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
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He kept it quiet. Typical Hulk.
Even as his body was breaking down from decades of leg drops—which, let’s be real, are absolute hell on your spine—he was dealing with atrial fibrillation and heart issues. By the end, he’d reportedly lost a lot of weight and needed oxygen to breathe. It’s a jarring image for a guy we all remember as the invincible "Hulkster."
Why the John Cena Match Never Happened
One of the biggest "what-ifs" in Hulk Hogan news recently came from Eric Bischoff. He revealed that Hogan was actually in serious talks for one final retirement match against John Cena. Can you imagine the crowd for that? It would have been the ultimate passing of the torch.
Bischoff was literally sitting next to Hogan while he negotiated the deal on the phone. They were planning the "one last ride" scenario, but Hogan's back just wouldn't cooperate. He was at a point where moving around the house was a struggle, let alone getting in the ring with a guy like Cena.
It’s a reminder that even the biggest icons are made of glass and bone.
Real American Freestyle: His Final Business Play
Hogan didn't just spend his last year sitting on a porch in Florida. He was busy. Along with Bischoff, he launched "Real American Freestyle" (RAF), a league designed to bridge the gap between Olympic-style wrestling and the "sports entertainment" world.
He was the Commissioner.
He wanted to give amateur wrestlers—the ones who grind in high school and college—a real way to make money and become stars. He even brought in big names like Bo Nickal and Sarah Hildebrandt. It was his way of staying relevant without having to take a bump.
- The Business Side: Hogan was also trying to save Hooters. Yeah, you read that right. His brand, Real American Beer, was reportedly making a play for the restaurant chain during its bankruptcy struggles.
- The WWE Relationship: Despite some rocky years and a lot of controversy, he was still "home." He appeared at the WWE Raw on Netflix premiere in early 2025, though the reception was... mixed. Some fans cheered; others weren't so quick to forget his past scandals.
What Most People Get Wrong About Hogan
People tend to see Hogan as either a saint or a villain. The truth? He was a complicated guy who revolutionized an entire industry. Without him, there is no WrestleMania. There is no Rock. There is no John Cena.
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He was the first athlete to truly understand that he was the product. Long before Instagram influencers were a thing, Hogan was selling vitamins, pasta, and t-shirts to millions. He turned a regional circus act into a global empire.
But that fame came at a massive physical cost.
What’s Next for the Hogan Legacy?
Even though the man is gone, the "Hulk Hogan" name isn't going anywhere. There are rumors of a massive biographical book trilogy by Guy Evans in the works, and WWE is likely planning a huge tribute for the next Hall of Fame cycle.
If you're looking to keep up with the latest Hulk Hogan news as his estate settles and new projects are announced, keep an eye on these specific areas:
- WWE 2K26: Expect a massive "Showcase" mode dedicated to his career.
- The RAF League: We’ll see if Bischoff can keep the freestyle dream alive without the Hulkster’s charisma at the helm.
- Documentaries: Multiple production houses are reportedly scrambling for rights to his life story.
The era of the "Real American" is over, but the impact he left on pop culture is permanent. Whether you loved him or hated him, you knew exactly who he was the second that guitar riff hit.
Take Action: If you want to dive deeper into the technical history of his career, go back and watch his matches from the 1980s AWA era before he became the "Hulk" we know today. It's a masterclass in how to build a character from the ground up. Also, check out recent interviews with Eric Bischoff on the 83 Weeks podcast for the most unfiltered look at Hogan's final business ventures.