Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, 71, had a scare this week, but it wasn’t quite as concerning as the internet made it out to be. Hogan checked into the hospital for his routine treatment of chronic neck and back problems – not for an unexpected life-threatening illness. And before you worry too much, he’s already walking around. He is also quietly moving forward with a new freestyle wrestling league set to begin this August.
💥 “Deathbed?” No. It Was Just a Check-Up—and He’s Doing Better Than Expected
You know how rumours spread faster than wildfire. That’s exactly what happened when radio host Bubba the Love Sponge said Hulk might not make it. He suggested family was being called in to say goodbye. Suddenly, fans everywhere panicked.
But here’s the thing—it just wasn’t true. Hogan’s rep stepped in immediately: the hospitalization was for healing a neck fusion surgery he had last month. He’s been in and out of hospitals for neck and back pain over the years—25 surgeries, they say. But this time, doctors described the procedure as “routine,” and he’s already walking around again.
You feel that relief with the crowd online:
“We do not want to lose Hulk Hogan.”
“Even though I don’t like the Hulkster anymore, glad rumors were false.”
Those are real tweets from fans who dropped their worries once they heard the truth. It’s honest, raw, a little chaotic—but it feels real because it is real. Just like talking to a friend, you feel that mix of fear and then relief, right?
🩺 Why This Was Bigger Than a Headline—and Why It Mattered
This isn’t just another celebrity health dilemma—this is bigger. Hogan had been battling through the consequences of decades of being in the ring: neck pain, back damage, surgeries—lots of surgeries. He is 71, and it is one thing to hear about a legend being diminished by his own body, but it hits home even further when you see it.
But then again, the flip side is that recovery, that bounce back? That’s just pure inspiration. You feel it. It is raw. It is not perfect. It is real—and it matters to the millions who grew up with “Hulkamania.”
In addition, there’s a bigger reason to care: despite all of this, Hogan is preparing to launch his Real American Freestyle league in Cleveland this August. That lends urgency and hope to this update. It says: “Yes, he is getting treatment, but he is also looking ahead.”
🤼 A New Chapter: Real American Freestyle Lands in Cleveland
Hold on, this is big. While Hogan’s in recovery mode, he’s also preparing to launch Real American Freestyle (RAF)—his first unscripted, genuine wrestling league. No theatrical storylines, just athletic competition like you’d see in college or the Olympics.
Here’s what we know:
- First event set for August 30 at Cleveland’s Wolstein Center, which seats around 13,000 people.
- Federation leader Chad Bronstein, a Cleveland native. Hogan wants to give college wrestlers a real chance to go pro.
- Roster includes Olympic medalists, NCAA champs, MMA fighters—real athletes, real fights.
- Hogan will be commissioner. He’s said Cleveland feels like the right starting point.
- Tickets go live June 18 on Ticketmaster, and proceeds help support Cleveland State University.
It’s a big pivot from Hogan being an icon to him being a platform-builder for athletes—showing not just his legacy but real trust in next-gen talent.
🔍 What People Aren’t Talking About—But Should
Here’s the deeper stuff that’s easy to miss:
- Local Connection Matters: Starting in Cleveland isn’t just random. The real beginning of combination wrestling and beer comes from a city with wrestling ties, and where Hogan’s beer brand (Real American Beer) has a history of doing events. Hogan is building upon a community, rather than just doing a one off show.
- Real Revenue Plans: Beyond ticket sales, RAF has additional and diverse revenue streams (streaming rights, athlete brand deals, and NIL) to stand on its own. It is a good business model, but not often discussed.
- Hogan as Recruiter, Not Just Face: Hogan is not only lending his name. Inside sources indicate he is the driver of athlete recruitment–his name recognition opens doors. He is capitalizing off this.
- Heals with Purpose: Hogan’s health complication, honestly, adds a layer of meaning for this new project. It appears to show he is SLOWING down, but doesn’t want to stop completely, he still cares, still has vision.
📲 Social Buzz: Fans React in Real-Time
The platform Twitter/X is full of fans tagging along with their reactions with a lot of activity in regards to the following tweet by
- @WrestleFanX: “He’s not dead- they just have you freaking out😅 #HulkHogan”
- Another great tweet from @RAF_Fans, stated: “This definitely feels like the Cleveland show- college wrestling deserves the big stage after a pandemic!”
Finally, an Instagram post from the promo for Real American Beer in Cleveland:
In this video, it showcased Hogan at a local bar promoting the league and beer – it definitely felt local and small town community based and not too flashy.
Eric Bischoff and Hogan shared another post on X:
They tweeted a video of them in ecstasy, stating that, “we’re back and shake up the world of pro wrestling.” It was straight forward, no frills, and they looked excited to engage in pro wrestling again.
Why This Story Pulls You In
- From scare to spark: Audiences feel relief, then curiosity. It’s emotional whiplash, but in a good way.
- Transition to purpose: Hogan goes from icon to advocate. It’s a new role at a new stage in life—and people connect with that.
- Real athletic stake: This isn’t show wrestling. It’s real wrestling, with real athletes—and real money. That adds weight.
- Human imperfections: His aging, surgeries, hospital stays—they don’t hide it. They show him as human, and that’s powerful.
📌 Quick Pointers
- Hospital visit = neck/back treatment, not life-threatening
- Hogan recovering, walking around again
- Neck fusion done last month
- Launching Real American Freestyle league in Cleveland, Aug 30
- League features Olympic, NCAA, MMA athletes
- Tickets support Cleveland State University
This story isn’t just headlines and facts—it’s a real update on a living legend learning to adapt. Hogan shows us you can get knocked down, get checked out, and still get back up stronger—with purpose, plans, and heart.
FAQs
Why was Hulk Hogan hospitalized?
He went in for treatment related to ongoing neck and back issues, not any sudden illness.
Is Hulk Hogan in critical condition?
No—he’s reported to be recovering well and is up and moving again.
What caused the rumors about his health?
Radio host Bubba the Love Sponge spread unverified claims about Hogan being in serious danger, prompting panic.
What is Real American Freestyle?
It’s an unscripted wrestling league focused on Olympic-style competition for real athletes.
When and where is RAF’s first event?
It’s scheduled for August 30 at Cleveland’s Wolstein Center.
Who’s leading the league with Hogan?
Cleveland native Chad Bronstein is co-founder, with support from Eric Bischoff and coach Israel Martinez.
Which athletes will compete in RAF?
The league includes Olympic medalists, NCAA champions, MMA fighters, and notable college stars.
How can I buy RAF tickets?
Tickets go on sale June 18 through RAF’s official website and Ticketmaster.
