Hulk Hogan passed away in July 2025 following neck surgery, marking yet another chapter in his long history of health challenges. The 71-year-old WWE icon had previously opened up about his numerous medical issues, which included living with cancer during his later years. Here’s a closer examination of Hogan’s health decline leading up to his death.
According to People, Hogan’s death was attributed to acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. Emergency medical technicians responded to a cardiac arrest call at Hogan’s residence in Clearwater, Florida, on July 24, 2025.
In the months preceding his passing, Hogan disclosed that he had undergone extensive surgeries related to his back, knees, hips, and shoulders. Speaking on Logan Paul’s podcast, “Impaulsive,” in October 2024, he revealed that he had undergone at least 25 operations over the last decade. “Nobody told me this gimmick stuff was fake,” Hogan said. “I’ve had 10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”
Despite his numerous surgeries, Hogan found little relief, leading him to file a $50 million lawsuit against the Laser Spine Institute in Florida in January 2013, claiming that his back treatments were ineffective.
Health records accessed by People indicated that Hogan had a private history of leukemia, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells, as well as atrial fibrillation, a condition that results in irregular heart rhythms. A month before his death, Hogan was hospitalized due to persistent back and neck pain. During this time, rumors circulated, fueled by radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge, suggesting Hogan was close to death and that family members were saying their final goodbyes. However, Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, quickly dismissed these claims, asserting that her husband was feeling “strong” while recuperating from surgeries, according to TMZ.
This followed a neck surgery he had in May 2025. A representative for the wrestling icon confirmed that he was recovering “quickly” from the procedure and only required a minor fusion operation without major complications.
As of 2025, Hogan’s net worth was reported to be $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
