Hulk Hogan's 'unrecognisable' and 'unwell' change in last TV appearance

Irish Daily Mirror

24-07-2025

Just weeks before his passing at the age of 71, wrestling icon Hulk Hogan made his final telly appearance in May on Fox and Friends to chat about his latest endeavour, Real American Freestyle wrestling. However, viewers were more focused on his physical state, with many describing him as appearing "unwell."
Social media was ablaze with comments about the wrestling legend's appearance. Known for his signature bronzed complexion, fans insisted that Hogan's skin seemed unusually aged all of a sudden.
In his last TV outing, the WWE star donned a T-shirt emblazoned with 'America first, beer second', topped off with his trademark red bandana and sunglasses perched atop his head. His facial hair also drew attention, with his beard dyed pitch black while his goatee and hair remained stark white. Hulk looked very different (Image: Fox News)
Online remarks were relentless, with one viewer jesting at the time: "Tell Hulk Hogan his face is dirty, clean that soot off."
Another chimed in: "Does anyone believe this is Hulk Hogan?", reports the Mirror.
A third likened his look to a toy, jokingly saying, "Hulk Hogan giving off Wooly Willy vibes this am on Fox and Friends."
Others expressed their worry for the WWE legend, with one viewer penning: "Hulk looks so different. I really hope he's doing okay."
Other viewers also pointed out that while Hogan tried to explain his new wrestling league, his thoughts appeared scattered, and the segment veered into rambling.
Hogan's death was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), 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." Hulk Hogan is a legend within wrestling (Image: Getty Images)
WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans. "".
TMZ has also reported that paramedics were called to the 71 year old's residence in Clearwater, Florida. The devastating news emerges just weeks after his spouse, Sky, was forced to dismiss claims he was in a coma.
Hogan is understood to have experienced a heart attack at his Florida residence. Reports suggest that emergency services were summoned to Hulk's Clearwater, Florida home during the early hours of Thursday morning; sources indicate operators confirmed it was a "cardiac arrest". (Image: Fox News)
TMZ has stated that numerous police vehicles and ambulances were stationed outside the wrestling icon's property, and he was 'transported on a stretcher into an ambulance'.
The recording from the emergency call, as medics raced to Hulk Hogan's residence, has been released. In the audio, secured by TMZ, emergency responders can be heard confirming that a patient had suffered cardiac arrest.
Just weeks prior to Hulk's passing, a spokesperson for the WWE legend refuted rumours he was seriously unwell. In May, it was revealed he'd received a minor "fusion procedure" on his neck.
But in June, a YouTuber alleged that matters were "not looking good" for him. Dismissing the rumours, a spokesperson confirmed that Hulk's operation had been "successful" and there were "no reasons to panic."
They stated: "He just needs from time to time a medical check up." (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
In his last Instagram footage, Hogan created a promotional video for Real American Beer where he sampled the alcoholic drink and urged his followers to taste the patriotic brew.
"Real American beer, made in America, by real Americans," he declared before taking a sip. "Get some, brother. That's Americ,a brother," he continued.
The wrestling community has started responding to the devastating news of Hulk Hogan's passing, as he's been praised as "one of pop culture's most recognisable figures".
Ric Flair, who is a champion in wrestling like Hulk, offered his condolences as he posted 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. Hulk Hogan has died following a 'cardiac arrest' (Image: Getty Images)
"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!" Hollywood icon Sylvester took to Instagram to share a photo of himself with Hulk, who he starred alongside in Rocky III in 1982.
The actor expressed: "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 once interviewed Hulk, has also labelled the WWE star as the "most iconic" wrestler.
In a statement posted on X, previously known as Twitter, he stated: "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."