Hogan’s death has been confirmed by multiple reputable sources, including TMZ and People, as cardiac arrest. However, the circumstances that led to this tragic event are much more complex than they appear. To truly understand the impact of his health struggles, we must delve into the timeline of Hogan’s health issues. Hogan's health problems began in the early 1990s, coinciding with allegations of steroid use that forced him to take a break from the WWF. The physical toll of his wrestling career began to show, culminating in a series of surgeries that would plague him for decades.
In 1998, Hogan underwent his first documented knee surgery, a pivotal moment that would mark the beginning of a series of health crises for him. The surgery revealed severe damage to the joint, which led to further complications in the years that followed. Despite multiple knee surgeries, the pain persisted. In 1999, another clean-up surgery failed to alleviate his pain, revealing that Hogan's injury was more serious than initially thought. This type of surgery, followed by persistent pain, would become a constant theme throughout his life.
The situation worsened significantly in 2009 when Hogan collapsed on his daughter’s reality TV show, revealing serious spinal problems. This public moment highlighted the extent of his suffering, as he was diagnosed with a medical condition that caused constant pain and numbness, eventually affecting his ability to perform daily activities. In his quest for relief, Hogan opted for laser back surgery, hoping it would allow him to continue wrestling. However, the surgery did not produce the desired results, leading to further complications and a series of additional surgeries.
By October 2010, Hogan had undergone a 10-hour back surgery to straighten his spine. While initial reports indicated a smooth recovery, subsequent complications suggested that the underlying issues had not been resolved. His health continued to decline, culminating in a serious infection following a routine dental procedure in 2011. By 2012, the damage that had accumulated on Hogan's body forced him to retire from professional wrestling. This was not a voluntary release; rather, it was a necessity due to chronic pain and mobility issues that made it unsafe to compete. In 2013, Hogan filed a $50 million lawsuit against the Laser Spine Institute for medical malpractice, alleging that unnecessary procedures had aggravated his condition. The legal battle underscored the tragic reality that some of his health problems could have been avoided. Despite the challenges, Hogan continued to undergo surgeries, including surgery on his right knee in early 2013, expressing optimism about his return to the ring. However, his actual situation was still dire.