Rumors that retired World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star Hulk Hogan is on his deathbed have been circulating again on social media. The speculation began after a Wednesday livestream from radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge, whose real name is Todd Alan Clem.
“Got some pretty reliable info last night that there are phone calls being made to various family members [of Hogan] to get into town to say their goodbyes,” he said on his show.
He later stressed that the claims that Hogan was on his deathbed were only allegations but encouraged media outlets to investigate further. “It should create a feeding frenzy amongst reporters in the wrestling industry and pop culture to check this out,” he added.
TMZ says Hogan is recovering
TMZ Sports quickly debunked the deathbed rumors.
The outlet reported that the 71-year-old is recovering from neck and back issues following a procedure earlier this week and that he is not in critical condition.
Sources told TMZ that Hogan is already moving around and on the mend.
A complicated past with Bubba the Love Sponge
It’s worth mentioning the long and controversial history between Hogan and Clem.
More than a decade ago, Hogan sued Bubba after discovering that he had been secretly recorded during a private encounter with Bubba’s then-wife. The lawsuit alleged the WWE Hall of Famer did not know about the recording device.
The case was settled in 2012, and Bubba later issued a public apology — one he also read on his radio show.
“After further investigation, I am now convinced that Hulk Hogan was unaware of the presence of the recording device in my bedroom,” Bubba said in a statement, according to New York Daily News.
“I am convinced he had no knowledge that he was being taped. Additionally, I am certain that he had no role in the release of the video. It is my belief that [Hogan] is not involved, and has not ever been involved, in trying to release the video, or exploit it, or otherwise gain from the video’s release in any way.”
Hogan’s real health challenges
This week’s rumors aren’t the first time Hogan has been falsely declared dead or near-dead online.
In September 2024, a parody account on X posted a message that, at first glance, appears to be an “in memoriam” tribute. That post has racked up more than 7.5 million views. The post does affirm that Hogan is still alive.
While the panic may be overblown, Hogan has been open about his long-term health issues.
Last September, he appeared on Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive” podcast, revealing he has undergone at least 25 surgeries over the past decade, including 10 back surgeries.
