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Hulk Hogan died in July 2025 following neck surgery, but that wasn’t the first time the late pro wrestler had been hospitalized. The 71-year-old WWE legend’s death came after he had spoken out about the numerous health setbacks he endured. So, what exactly happened to Hogan when he died?
Learn about Hogan’s health issues and what led to his death below.
How Did Hulk Hogan Die?
Though Hogan’s exact cause of death has not been determined, he died of cardiac arrest, TMZ reported. EMTs responded to a call regarding a cardiac arrest at Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida, home on July 24, 2025.
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Hulk Hogan Underwent Multiple Neck & Back Surgeries
Less than a year before he died, Hogan revealed that he had undergone numerous operations for his back, knees hips and shoulders. During an October 2024 appearance on Logan Paul‘s “Impaulsive” podcast, Hogan said he had at least 25 different surgeries in the last decade of his life.
“Nobody told me this gimmick stuff was fake,” Hogan said. “I’ve had 10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”
Apparently, his back procedures weren’t helpful, though, because Hogan filed a $50 million lawsuit in January 2013 against the Laser Spine Institute in Florida. The Rocky III star alleged that his back treatment was ineffective.
How Was Hulk Hogan’s Health Before His Death?
One month before his death, Hogan was hospitalized for lingering back and neck issues, according to TMZ. At the time, radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge started a rumor claiming that Hogan was close to death and that his loved ones were saying their “goodbyes. However, the rumor was quickly shut down by the late WWE fighter’s wife, Sky Daily, who said her husband was feeling “strong” while recovering from his surgeries, per TMZ.
The news surfaced after he underwent neck surgery in May 2025. At the time, a rep for the athlete and Rocky III star told TMZ Sports that he made a “quick’ recovery. The rep added to the outlet that he needed a “little fusion procedure” but nothing substantial.
What Is Hulk Hogan’s Net Worth?
Hogan is worth $25 million as of 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
