On Wednesday, radio host Bubba the Love Sponge claimed that wrestling legend Hulk Hogan was in poor health and hospitalized, suggesting that Hogan could be on his deathbed. He said,
“If you did some sniffing around, you might find him in a hospital near you. It’s not good. I got some pretty reliable information last night that phone calls are going out to family members to come to town and say their goodbyes.”
Pressed on the credibility of his claims, Bubba responded, “Pretty damn reliable. But I want to frame it carefully, just in case he got discharged at midnight. I haven’t talked to my sources since yesterday. I don’t know it to be true. Rumor has it — allegedly — Hogan is in the hospital. I’ve heard people say he might not make it. My sources say it’s related to that. Within 72 hours of surgery, he was out promoting a new wrestling league and his beer brand at bars. He shouldn’t have been traveling — hotel beds, bad food, not being home — it takes a toll, especially at 72.”
Bubba noted that Hogan’s surgery had been downplayed publicly as minor, but his sources indicated that it was more serious. He said, “There’s a lot swirling around from my sources, but I don’t know the exact prognosis.”
Hogan underwent neck surgery in May.
It’s worth noting that Bubba and Hogan have a complicated history, including a legal dispute in 2012 after Bubba secretly recorded and leaked a sex tape of Hogan. The case was settled, with Bubba agreeing not to publicly speak about or disparage Hogan.
In response to Bubba’s claims, longtime friend and former WCW executive Eric Bischoff issued a statement to Derek Sabato. He said,
“Hulk Hogan had a very successful cervical surgery and is experiencing some adverse reaction. He’s doing well and should be home later today. Doctors are expecting a full recovery.”
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