“Hulk Hogan’s Friends Jimmy Hart and Bubba The Love Sponge’s Lummy Made Shock Conflicting Claims About Star Before Death—Inside the Wrestling Icon’s Final Days and the Confusion Surrounding His Health.

Hulk Hogan’s sudden death at 71 left the wrestling world in shock, but prior to his passing, conflicting reports about his health were made by his close friends, Jimmy Hart and Bubba The Love Sponge’s Lummy. While some claimed Hogan was doing great, others suggested his condition had deteriorated severely. As tributes pour in, we explore Hogan’s complicated final moments, his legacy, and the truth behind his health struggles leading up to his death.”

The sudden death of Hulk Hogan, the iconic wrestling legend, at the age of 71 on July 22, 2025, sent shockwaves through the world of sports entertainment, leaving fans, family, and colleagues grieving the loss of one of wrestling’s most celebrated figures. Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away after emergency crews were called to his Clearwater, Florida home for a cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the hospital, but tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

While the news of Hogan’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and wrestling communities alike, the days leading up to his death were clouded with conflicting reports about his health. Friends, colleagues, and those close to Hogan shared wildly different stories about his condition, fueling rumors and speculation about the severity of his health issues and the possibility of his imminent death.

The Diverging Health Reports: Lummy vs. Jimmy Hart

The day before Hulk Hogan’s passing, multiple people with inside knowledge of his health shared contradicting statements. On the Bubba The Love Sponge podcast, a show Hogan had appeared on for many years, co-host Lummy claimed that Hogan’s health had severely deteriorated. According to Lummy, an unnamed but credible source had informed him that Hogan was no longer able to speak.

“Hogan’s not doing well,” Lummy said on the podcast. “He can’t speak… it does not look good.” The statement set off a flurry of concern, with fans and media outlets alike starting to believe that Hogan’s health had taken a sudden turn for the worse. His death appeared to be imminent, and the conversation shifted towards the possibility of the wrestling legend passing away sooner rather than later.

However, in sharp contrast to these claims, Jimmy Hart, a longtime friend of Hogan’s and his former manager, posted a far more optimistic update just a day before his death. On social media, Hart shared a tweet that painted a much more positive picture of Hogan’s health. “Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic,” Hart wrote, referring to Hogan’s son Nick Hogan. “Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal!”

This stark contrast in statements—Lummy’s dire predictions versus Jimmy Hart’s optimistic update—added to the confusion and speculation about Hogan’s condition, especially in the days before his passing. Hart’s tweet was later deleted after Hogan’s death, but the confusion it created sparked further questions about what was really going on with Hogan’s health.

The Strain of Chronic Health Issues

Hogan had long been known to struggle with health problems, particularly due to the physical demands of his wrestling career. Chronic neck and back pain were constant companions for the wrestling icon, and by 2023, he had been photographed using a cane to walk, a sign that his physical decline was becoming more apparent.

In February 2023, Hogan was seen using a cane due to his battle with persistent back pain, which had worsened over the years. Fellow wrestler Kurt Angle, a longtime friend of Hogan’s, revealed in an interview on The Kurt Angle Show that Hogan had suffered even more serious issues. According to Angle, Hogan had undergone surgery that resulted in the loss of all feeling in his lower body.

“He had the nerves cut from his lower body. He can’t feel his lower body,” Angle shared, adding that Hogan no longer felt any pain in his lower body. “He uses the cane to walk around, but he doesn’t have any pain. He has nothing at all.”

However, Hogan’s representative quickly denied Angle’s claim, stating that Hogan had not been paralyzed and that he had retained full mobility. “Everything is okay with him. Hulk is someone with a lot of humor,” the spokesperson told Entertainment Tonight at the time. While the representative sought to assure the public that Hogan was not dealing with paralysis, it was clear that his health had been a topic of concern for some time.

The Rumors of Hogan’s Imminent Death

The release of these contrasting health updates, along with rumors circulating about Hogan’s declining condition, added to the drama surrounding his death. Hogan’s recent surgeries and rumored hospitalizations had fueled widespread speculation about his health, with some media outlets hinting that Hogan’s life might be coming to an end sooner than expected.

In June 2025, rumors began circulating that Hogan was on the verge of death, following claims that he had been hospitalized for an undisclosed health issue. However, Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, publicly denied these claims, stating that Hogan was recovering from a recent neck surgery and that his heart was strong. “There was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage,” she posted on social media at the time, attempting to quell the rumors.

Despite these reassurances, the conflicting reports about Hogan’s condition fueled a growing sense of uncertainty. His health seemed to decline quickly in the final months of his life, leading many to wonder if the wrestling legend was indeed facing a life-threatening situation. The fact that different people close to Hogan had differing accounts only deepened the mystery surrounding his final days.

The Final Moments and the Heartbreaking 911 Call

On the morning of July 22, 2025, the 911 call revealing the truth of Hogan’s condition was made public. The audio, obtained by TMZ, was a chilling reminder of the urgency with which emergency crews rushed to Hogan’s estate. The operator confirmed that the call was for “cardiac arrest”, and paramedics worked for 30 minutes in an attempt to revive Hogan.

Despite the valiant efforts of the first responders, Hogan was declared dead at 11:17 AM local time after being transported to the hospital. The cause of death was later confirmed to be cardiac arrest, though there was no indication of foul play. Hogan passed away surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife, Sky, and children Nick and Brooke, who were by his side during his final moments.

Tributes Pour In: A Legacy of Strength and Influence

The news of Hulk Hogan’s death sent shockwaves through the world, with tributes pouring in from across the wrestling world and beyond. Longtime friend Ric Flair, who shared an emotional bond with Hogan, took to social media to remember the man who had been there for him through thick and thin. Flair wrote, “He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be. Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace, my friend!”

Paul Levesque (Triple H), another wrestling legend, praised Hogan’s influence on the sport, stating, “Hogan was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar.’ He transcended the business and elevated wrestling to heights we had never seen before.”

John Cena, a current WWE star, shared his admiration for Hogan’s influence and legacy, and Donald Trump, a longtime friend of Hogan’s, paid his respects as well, acknowledging Hogan’s massive impact on entertainment and pop culture. “He entertained fans from all over the world, and the cultural impact he had was massive. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Hogan’s Family: A Love That Lasted

In the wake of Hogan’s death, his family, including his wife Sky and children Nick and Brooke, have been grappling with the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Hogan’s estranged relationship with Brooke, who had previously gone no-contact with him, was revealed after the news of his death. She posted a poignant message on social media about her pain and the difficulty of dealing with her father’s absence, saying, “No one wants this, to feel so much pain and not have parents.”

Hogan leaves behind a complicated but deeply affectionate legacy. His contributions to the wrestling world, his larger-than-life personality, and his ability to entertain millions have solidified his place in history. Yet, it is the memories of his family, his love for them, and the bond they shared that will define the man behind the icon.

The End of an Era: The Lasting Impact of Hulk Hogan’s Legacy

Hogan’s death marks the end of an era in professional wrestling. As one of the sport’s greatest figures, his influence on WWE and the wrestling world is immeasurable. He changed the landscape of professional wrestling, bringing it to new heights with his energy, charisma, and dedication to the craft. Hogan’s matches with Andre the Giant, his leadership of the NWO, and his role as the face of WWE during its golden age will never be forgotten.

But beyond his wrestling career, Hogan’s impact on pop culture, his personal life, and his family will continue to resonate. His journey from a young wrestler to a global icon is a testament to perseverance, and his ability to overcome personal struggles makes his story one of inspiration. Hulk Hogan’s passing leaves a void in both the wrestling world and the lives of those who knew him best.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Hulk Hogan

As the wrestling world mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan, his influence on professional wrestling, pop culture, and the lives of those close to him will never be forgotten. From his incredible feats in the ring to his lasting impact on the entertainment world, Hogan’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and fans alike. His strength, resilience, and ability to entertain millions made him a true icon, and his contributions to the world of wrestling will forever be celebrated. Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan—you’ll never be forgotten.