Hulk Hogan's concerning appearance during final TV appearance just weeks before death
Hulk Hogan made his final ever TV appearance on Fox & Friends just weeks before his death at 71-years-old to discuss his new venture, Real American Freestyle wrestling. However, instead of focusing on the project which aired in May, viewers fixated on his appearance with many describing him as looking 'unwell.'
Viewers rushed to social media to discuss the wrestling legend's look. Famed for his signature bronze glow, fans insisted that Hogan's skin appeared to have aged very suddenly. In his final TV appearance, the WWE icon wore a t-shirt reading 'America first, beer second', topped with his famous red bandana and sunglasses perched on his head..
His facial hair raised some eyebrows too as his beard was dyed jet black while his goatee and hair remained stark white. Harsh comments from social media users mocked his appearance at the time, the Mirror reports.
One wrote:'Tell Hulk Hogan his face is dirty, clean that soot off." Another asked: "Does anyone believe this is Hulk Hogan?'
A third compared his appearance to a toy as they joked: 'Hulk Hogan giving off Wooly Willy vibes this am on Fox & Friends.'
Others shared concern for the WWE legend as one viewer penned: "Hulk looks so different. I really hope he's doing okay."
In addition to this, Hogan's response to questions also sparked alarm.
While the WWE icon attempted to explain his new wrestling league, his thoughts seemed scattered, and the segment veered into rambling.
Hogan's death was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE ) on July 24 in a statement on X which read: 'WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
'One of pop culture's most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.'WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans.'
TMZ reports that medics were dispatched to the 71-year-old's home in Clearwater, Florida.
The sad news comes just a few weeks after his wife, Sky, had to deny rumours he was in a coma.
Hogan is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest at his Florida home.
It's been reported that medics were dispatched to Hulk's home in Clearwater, Florida, early on Thursday morning.
It's understood operators stated it was a "cardiac arrest".
TMZ has also reported that a large number of police cars and emergency vehicles were parked outside the wrestling legend's home, and he was 'carried on a stretcher into an ambulance'.
The audio from the 911 call has also now been shared after medics rushed to Hulk Hogan's home.
In the audio, obtained by TMZ, first responders can be heard explaining that a patient had gone into cardiac arrest.
In the weeks prior to Hulk's death, a representative for the WWE icon denied speculation he was gravely ill.
In May, it was announced that he'd undergone a small "fusion procedure" on his neck.
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However by June, a YouTuber claimed that things were "not looking good" for him.
Denying the speculation, a representative said that Hulk's surgery had been "successful" and there were "no reasons to panic."
They added: "He just needs from time to time a medical check up."
In his final Instagram video, Hulk made a promotional clip for Real American Beer where he sipped on the alcoholic beverage and encouraged his fans to try the patriotic beer.
He said: "Real American beer, made in America, by real Americans. Get some, brother. That's America brother", as he took a sip.
Tributes from the wrestling world have flooded in after the news of Hogan's death, who's been hailed as "one of pop culture's most recognisable figures".
Ric Flair, who is a champion in wrestling like Hulk, paid tribute online: "I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!
"Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn't Ask For Him To Be.
"He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!"
Taking to Instagram, Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone shared a snap of himself and Hulk, who he appeared alongside in Rocky III in 1982.
The actor said: "I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he's gone…"
Broadcaster Piers Morgan, who previously interviewed Hulk, has also labelled the WWE star as the "most iconic" wrestler.
In a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: "RIP Hulk Hogan - the most iconic wrestler in history, a wonderful character, and in person, a far gentler, charming, intelligent man far removed from his snarling beast ring (and Rocky movie!) persona. Sad news."
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