Tag: hulk hogan

Jimmy Hart responds to Hulk Hogan health rumors

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Jimmy Hart is pushing back against rumors that Hulk Hogan is in seriously bad health.

For more than a month now, Hogan’s camp has been attempting to debunk rumors spread by the Bubba the Love Sponge radio show that claim Hogan is in failing health and those around him are hiding his true condition. Hogan’s wife Sky Daily posted a statement on July 11 saying that, while the 71-year-old Hogan has been in and out of the hospital following back fusion surgery, he is healing and they are taking it one day at a time.

“No, he’s definitely not in a coma!,” she wrote in response to comments made by Bubba. “His heart is strong, and there was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage… none of those rumors are true.”

Despite that, Hogan’s health has continued to be a discussion point on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show, with one person claiming that Jimmy Hart — Hogan’s friend and manager — has privately told people that Hogan is not doing well, cannot speak at the moment, and the situation does not look good. Hart is publicly denying that, though, posting a tweet yesterday claiming the opposite.

“Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal!,” he wrote. “Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!”

Though the wording of the post is confusing, it appears that Hart is not trying to say that Hogan was at karaoke — just that Hart and Hogan’s son Nick were together at the event. Karaoke takes place every Monday night at the Hogan’s Hangout restaurant in Clearwater, Florida.

We should know more about Hogan’s condition soon as his new Real American Freestyle promotion is just a few weeks away from launching. The Olympic-style wrestling venture is from Hogan, Bischoff, and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez. It will feature Kurt Angle as a commentator on the August 30 inaugural show in Cleveland.

Kurt Angle on working with Hulk Hogan & Eric Bischoff: ‘They bring nothing but good’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Kurt Angle is excited to work with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff again, this time outside of the professional wrestling world.

It was announced last week that Angle has joined Hogan and Bischoff’s Real American Freestyle organization as a commentator and analyst. He’ll be part of the broadcast team for the organization’s inaugural event on August 30 working alongside combat sports veterans Chael Sonnen and Bubba Jenkins.

In an interview with TMZ Sports to promote the new group, Angle discussed linking back up with Hogan and Bischoff.

“It’ll be like it was in TNA and WWE. You know, I worked with these guys for years,” the 56-year-old Angle said. “I understand their philosophies and what they bring to the table, and they bring nothing but good. They’re going to be able to make this a little more entertaining than a regular amateur wrestling duel would be.”

The Wolstein Center in Cleveland is hosting Real American Freestyle’s August 30 event. It was announced today that the organization has reached a deal with Fox Nation to broadcast the show.

Hogan and Bischoff have partnered with amateur wrestling coach Izzy Martinez for this venture. Angle — a legend in both amateur and pro wrestling — told TMZ Sports that one of the things that drew him to Real American Freestyle is that the promotion has signed the top Olympic-style wrestlers available and will have the best of the best on display.

Angle believes that, if something like this existed when he was younger, he might have never even entered pro wrestling.

“Oh gosh, I would have loved to have had this. This would have been my thing,” he said. You know, I don’t even know if I would have crossed over into pro wrestling. I probably would have stuck with amateur wrestling. We didn’t have a pro league back then. So I’m a little jealous, but I’m also excited to be a part of it.”

Real American Freestyle reveals its exclusive broadcast partner

Posted on by Ian Carey

Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff’s Real American Freestyle (RAF) has announced its exclusive broadcast partner.

On Monday, the promotion revealed that its debut event, RAF 01, will air on Fox Nation on August 30.

“Real American Freestyle is creating something that’s never been done before, and we needed a partner that understood that and could build with us,” said RAF commissioner Hulk Hogan. “FOX Nation is synergistic with our brand, they appreciate the importance of bringing this sport to the masses, and they believe in our goal.”

The broadcast team is set to consist of Kurt Angle, Chael Sonnen, and Bubba Jenkins. Angle was quoted in a Fox press release on the news:

“I grew up freestyle wrestling and achieved the highest level of success in the sport,” Angle said. “I couldn’t be prouder to support athletes at all levels of their careers and partner with Real American Freestyle to make it happen. Chael and Bubba will bring a unique aspect to their analysis given their own backgrounds in combat sports, and I’m excited to join them for RAF 01 to bring freestyle wrestling to audiences around the world.”

Fox Nation president Lauren Petterson was also quoted in the release:

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Real American Freestyle team as they build a visionary brand that redefines the future of wrestling. Fusing elite athleticism with unmatched entertainment, it’s an honor to be part of the new era of the world’s oldest and most iconic sport.”

RAF 1 will be held in Cleveland’s Wolstein Center on the campus of Cleveland State University. The venue holds over 13,000 for basketball and approximately 15,000 for concerts. As of Friday’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, 639 tickets had been distributed to the show.

Six matches are advertised for the show:

RAF 01 lineup for August 30:

  • Bo Nickal vs. Jacob Cardenas
  • Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia
  • Darrion Caldwell vs. Real Woods
  • Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer
  • Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Rivera
  • Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Zeltzin Hernandez

December 3, 2007 Observer Newsletter: Hulk Hogan divorce, Matt Serra suffers back injury

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

The news continued to get worse for Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, with an expensive divorce piled upon an expensive lawsuit that inevitably will be filed.

While all this is going on, Hogan was to return to television as filming for the entire first season of NBC’s new “American Gladiators,” with him and Laila Ali as hosts, takes place all week in Hollywood. The show will be a mid-season replacement debuting in January. It will air on Sunday nights but a time slot is not confirmed.

On 11/20, Linda, 48, filed for a divorce from Terry, 54, in Pinellas Country Court. The divorce petition doesn’t cite any grounds. The news story broke on 11/23, with Terry claiming to reporters from the St. Petersburg Times that he had no idea it was filed until they called him asking for a comment. That wasn’t the case. Several close family friends and Linda’s attorney said he had been fully aware of the filing and that it was coming for some time.

Subscribers can click here to read this issue.

Kurt Angle joins Hulk Hogan & Eric Bischoff’s freestyle wrestling venture

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Kurt Angle is linking up with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff to play a role in their new freestyle wrestling venture.

It was announced today that Angle — a Hall of Famer in both amateur and pro wrestling — “will serve as live event commentator, analyst, and partner” for Real American Freestyle Wrestling, calling the promotion’s inaugural show alongside combat sports greats Chael Sonnen and Bubba Jenkins. The event is set to take place in Cleveland on August 30.

“I grew up freestyle wrestling, and achieved the highest level of success in the sport. I couldn’t be prouder to support athletes at all levels of their careers and partner with Real American Freestyle to make it happen,” the Olympic gold medalist said in a press release. “Chael and Bubba will bring a unique aspect to their analysis given their own backgrounds in combat sports, and I’m excited to join them for RAF01 to bring freestyle wrestling to audiences around the world.”

The formation of Real American Freestyle was announced this April with Hogan, Bischoff, and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez leading the venture. The Wolstein Center in Cleveland is hosting the August 30 event.

“Kurt Angle is a living legend. He’s achieved every accomplishment he could in wrestling, so it makes sense that he’s partnering with Real American Freestyle as we actively change the name of the game across the sport,” Hogan was quoted as saying. “Kurt will provide fire, infamy, and unparalleled experience to the commentary and analysis of our live events. We couldn’t be more excited to have him on the Real American team.”

Hogan has been experiencing health issues ahead of the Real American Freestyle launch, but his wife is denying rumors that he’s in grave condition. Sky Daily Hogan said her husband has been in and out of the hospital over the past six weeks as he recovers from neck fusion surgery.

Hulk Hogan’s wife refutes health rumors: ‘We’re taking it one day at a time’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Hulk Hogan’s wife Sky Daily is refuting rumors that have been going around about her husband’s health.

Since last month, radio host Bubba the Love Sponge (Hogan’s former friend) has been claiming that Hogan is in grave health. Eric Bischoff responded to that on June 18, saying that Hogan is just “experiencing some adverse reaction” to a neck fusion surgery he had earlier this year.

A new round of rumors started this week with Bubba the Love Sponge saying that Hogan’s camp is continuing to hide the actual condition he’s in. Sky Hogan posted a statement on her Instagram stories today refuting much of what Bubba has said.

“No, he’s definitely not in a coma! His heart is strong, and there was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage… none of those rumors are true,” Sky wrote. “He’s been recovering from a major four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), which is an intense surgery with a long and layered healing process. If you look it up, you’ll see what the last six weeks have involved… not just for his spine, but also for his vocal cords, and the eating/breathing tubes that are clamped over during surgery. We’ve been in and out of the hospital to support that recovery. So truly, there’s no need for the drama or panic some people try to stir up. He’s healing, and we’re taking it one day at a time with love, strength, and patience.”

Hogan and Sky have been married since 2023, with this being Hogan’s third marriage.

Not long before these health complications began, Hogan and Bischoff announced that they’re starting a new amateur wrestling venture called Real American Freestyle with wrestling coach Izzy Martinez. The organization’s first event is set to be held in Cleveland on August 30.

Hulk Hogan-themed bar to open across from Madison Square Garden

Posted on by Ian Carey

Hulk Hogan is set to have a major presence just outside the arena where he had many of his biggest matches.

According to a report from Page Six, a 9,000 square foot Hogan-themed sports bar called Slam will open across the street from Madison Square Garden. The bar’s interior will be styled to resemble the inside of the Garden, complete with a replica jumbotron. It will also feature Hogan memorabilia and screens playing highlights from his career.

Although Hogan is expected to be a regular fixture at Slam, he will not have an ownership stake. Instead, the venue is using his name through a licensing agreement.

The bar is owned by Rich Rosen of American Sports Bar Entertainment and will be located at 461 8th Avenue on the corner of 31st Street. Rosen told Page Six he pitched the idea to Hogan during an autograph signing.

“I basically waited 5 hours in line to get two seconds with Hulk Hogan,” Rosen said. “I came with an 8-by-11 glossy picture of Madison Square Garden, and in the picture is our venue… I walked up to Hulk, I dropped the picture in front of him.”

“That’s my venue, that’s the Garden, and you’re my new partner,” Rosen says he told Hogan.

No opening date has been announced.

WOR: Hogan, Liv Morgan, AEW Arena Mexico, NXT, news!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including Hulk Hogan’s health status, Liv Morgan needing surgery, latest on Smackdown at three hours, Arena Mexico shows all week including AEW Dynamite on Wednesday, ratings, the NXT TV report, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Hulk Hogan update, Liv Morgan will need shoulder surgery
3:11: Future of three hour SmackDowns, Vince McMahon reportedly tried to buy Bare Knuckle Fighting, TKO selling WWE rumors
14:21: Ric Flair update, notes from Arena Mexico this week
26:04: Ratings
31:39: UFC notes on Aspinall/Jones fight, Conor McGregor punches someone at nightclub, Aaron Pico’s next fight
35:37: AEW Mexico Grand Slam recap
1:00:40: WWE NXT recap, WWE SmackDown lineup

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WOL: Elijah injury, Smackdown length, cable vs. streaming, NXT

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm returns with tons to talk about including Elijah’s injury on NXT, Hulk Hogan health update, Smackdown length update, the NXT TV Report, and tons more! A very newsworthy show, and a fun time as always, so check it out~!

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Hulk Hogan expected to make full recovery after adverse reaction to surgery

Posted on by Ian Carey

Hulk Hogan is said to be experiencing some adverse reactions to a recent surgery, but doctors are expecting him to make a full recovery.

In response to comments made by Bubba the Love Sponge on his radio show, Eric Bischoff released a statement on Wednesday to Derek Sabato stating that Hogan is doing well and expected to return home later today.

“Hulk Hogan had a very successful cervical surgery and is experiencing some adverse reaction. He’s doing well and should be home later today. Doctors expecting a full recovery.”

TMZ spoke with a representative for Hogan who said he is “just dealing with more of the same ailments he’s had for years.”

Hulk Hogan rumor spreads online

Bubba the Love Sponge’s comments led to a rumor on Wednesday morning that Hogan was on his deathbed.

“It’s not good. I got some pretty reliable information last night that there are phone calls being made to various family members about getting to town to come say your goodbyes,” Bubba said on the show, before clarifying he had not spoken to his source since Tuesday evening.

“Rumor has it, allegedly, Hogan is in the hospital, and I’ve heard people say that he might not make it.”

Hulk Hogan Cervical Surgery

Hogan underwent neck fusion surgery last month, although it is not clear if this is the surgery Bischoff refers to in his statement or if Hogan recently had another procedure. The surgery was described as “a little fusion procedure,” and Hogan was said to be back at work the following day.

Hogan also underwent a series of back surgeries in the 2000s and early 2010s, later suing the Laser Spine Institute in Florida in 2013 for malpractice. He claimed the clinic used a less-invasive procedure when traditional spinal fusion would have been more appropriate.

DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: The early 1990s

Posted on by Karl Stern

On this week’s DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, you and I are heading back to the early 1990s to discuss the state of pro wrestling at the time.

While business was just about as bad as it could get, there were still plenty of great storylines and personalities. Hulk Hogan was gone from WWF, but we saw the rise of Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and others. WCW was a complete corporate mess but there was still great wrestling with Sting, Big Van Vader, Ron Simmons, Cactus Jack, and others.

I also look at the PWI 500 during the early 1990s from both the top and bottom of the rankings.

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Rick Derringer, singer of Hulk Hogan’s ‘Real American,’ passes away at 77

Posted on by Ian Carey

Rick Derringer, the singer behind Hulk Hogan’s “Real American” and several other WWE theme songs, has died.

The 77-year-old’s death was announced by friends via social media on Tuesday.

Derringer’s association with wrestling dates back to the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling era of the 1980s. He was friends with Cyndi Lauper, whose rivalry with Captain Lou Albano and later Roddy Piper played a key role in the buildup to the first WrestleMania.

In 1985, Derringer and David Wolff produced The Wrestling Album, which included Hogan’s “Real American,” Junkyard Dog’s “Grab Them Cakes,” and Hillbilly Jim’s “Don’t Go Messin’ with a Country Boy.”

In 1987, Derringer returned to produce Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II. He and Wolff were joined by Jim Johnston on the album, which featured Demolition’s theme song, Honky Tonk Man’s theme, Slick’s “Jive Soul Bro,” and a rendition of “Stand Back” performed by Vince McMahon.

Derringer did not return for WrestleMania: The Album in 1993.

Chael Sonnen joins Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle as commentator

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: UFC

Former UFC star and MMA commentator/podcast host Chael Sonnen is adding the new Real American Freestyle promotion to his list of jobs.

Announced by the promotion co-founded by Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff and Israel Martinez, the 48-year-old Sonnen will be a live commentator and analyst for the new group.

The group, which will be focused on traditional freestyle wrestling, will hold their first event on August 30th in Cleveland, Ohio.

Both Sonnen and Hogan walked out with Colby Covington for his December 2014 UFC fight against Joaquin Buckley.

Before moving into fighting, Sonnen was a standout amateur wrestler, earning All-American status at the University of Oregon along with being a two-time PAC-10 runner-up. He won a silver medal at the 2000 Greco-Roman World University Championships, and was a two-time Dave Schultz Memorial International Greco-Roman winner.

In his MMA career, he competed in the UFC, WEC and Bellator where he ended his career in June 2019. He also founded Submission Underground in 2016, a submission grappling promotion. Along with his YouTube channel, Sonnen is also a UFC analyst for ESPN.

Sonnen made news Wednesday for publicly apologizing to the couple he confronted in a Las Vegas hallway in December 2021 while allegedly intoxicated. After he was initially charged with battery by strangulation along with 10 misdemeanor battery charges, Sonnen pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of breaching the peace and was fined $750.

Report: Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer looking to acquire Hooters brand

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Hulk Hogan may be looking to acquire Hooters.

Business Insider is reporting that Hogan’s beer company Real American Beer is planing on submitting a bid for the resturant chain’s intellectual property. If successful, it would enable the brand to create merchandise, food, and beverage products featuring the Hooters IP at resturants, retail locations, and entertainment venues across the United States.

According to the report, Real American Beer may potentially license the Hooters name back to the restaurant as the company isn’t interested in acquiring Hooters’ locations.

Hooters of America filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy back in March, owing $370 million in debt. Business Insider noted that when Real American Beer began distribution last year, the restaurant was one of the first to carry the beer. Hooters restaurants are continuing to operate as the company goes through the bankruptcy process.

Hogan has been in the news recently as he and Eric Bischoff announced the launch of an amateur wrestling promotion called Real American Freestyle Wrestling. The promotion’s first event is scheduled to take place on August 30 in Cleveland.

Hulk Hogan undergoes neck fusion surgery

Posted on by Ethan Renner

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has undergone a neck fusion procedure.

TMZ reports Thursday that the 71-year-old Hogan underwent surgery on Wednesday, but was back working on Thursday according to a representative for the former six-time WWF Champion.

According to the report, the surgery was “a little fusion procedure” done in an attempt to help Hogan “feel a little better.”

The representative for Hogan told TMZ that Hogan was back working on Thursday after a “quick turnaround,” presumably promoting his new Real American Freestyle wrestling league and Real American Beer brands.

Hogan claimed in a 2024 appearance on Logan Paul’s podcast that he underwent more than 25 surgeries over the prior decade, including having both hips replaced, both knees replaced, and a slew of back surgeries.

While his timeline may be skewed, Hogan did undergo a series of back surgeries in the late 2000s and early 2010s, later suing the Laser Spine Institute in Florida in 2013 for malpractice, seeking $50 million in damages, claiming that a series of minimally invasive procedures harmed his wrestling career when a traditional fusion surgery would have been the correct procedure. Hogan then had spinal fusion surgery in December 2010. Hogan later agreed to a settlement in the LSI lawsuit.