Hulk Hogan's Final Days: A Glimpse into the Wrestling Icon's Fragility
EXCLUSIVE: Eric Bischoff Spills the Tea on Hulk Hogan's Final Days
In a shocking revelation, wrestling legend and former WCW boss Eric Bischoff has opened up about his conversations with Hulk Hogan in the weeks leading up to the iconic wrestler's passing at 71. TheScholarlyNote.com has obtained an exclusive interview with Bischoff, where he shares intimate details about Hogan's health struggles and their final discussions.
Hogan was rushed to a hospital after suffering from cardiac arrest at his Florida home last week. Bischoff, who managed to convince Hogan to betray the WWE by joining WCW, had spoken to Hogan just weeks before his passing. The conversation left an impression on Bischoff, who described Hogan's tone as "weak" and "tired," but still with a hint of that unmistakable Hulkamania energy.
"I could tell he was struggling, but even in his weakened state, he still had that 'what are we going to do next?' kind of spark in his voice," Bischoff revealed on the '83 Weeks' podcast. "It was like nothing had changed – he was still checking up on me, making sure I was on top of things with Real American Freestyle."
Bischoff's visit to Hogan at his Florida home was a poignant moment in their friendship. After being released from the hospital, Hogan's son Nick reached out to Bischoff to check in on his father. Bischoff offered to visit Hogan, but the wrestling icon expressed some hesitation.
"I said, 'Hulk, I don't care if you're feeling embarrassed or whatever – I'm coming down to see you.' He appreciated that," Bischoff recalled. "When I arrived, he was being tended to by a nurse who was clearly anxious about his condition."
The nurse was lifting Hogan's legs and administering oxygen as the two friends spent about an hour discussing their plans for Real American Freestyle. Despite his struggles with larynx issues following surgery, Hogan's enthusiasm remained undiminished.
"All he wanted to talk about was business – but in a fun, energetic way," Bischoff said. "It was clear that he was struggling to get the words out, but it didn't change who he was as a person."
As their conversation came to an end, Bischoff knew it was time to leave and not be an "obstacle" or "burden." He promised Hogan they would line up some phone interviews for him in the coming weeks. However, deep down, Bischoff knew that this might have been a pipe dream.
Hogan's final words to Bischoff were telling of his determination to return to work: "Brother, I may not be able to do anything on camera for a couple of weeks, but I'll be good on the phone. You can set some stuff up for me on the phone." The ScholaryNote.com has learned that this conversation left Bischoff with a sense of sadness and a deep appreciation for Hogan's unwavering dedication to his craft.
In an era where wrestling legends are few and far between, Hogan's legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most iconic in the sport. As news of his passing sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, fans around the world mourned the loss of a true legend.