Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 24, 2025 · Entertainment

Hulk Hogan's Heartbreak: The Untold Story of His Final Years

From left: Hulk Hogan, his daughter Brooke Hogan, wife Linda Hogan and son Nick Hogan. The family is seen attending the premiere of War Of The Worlds at the Ziegfeld Theatre on June 23, 2005, in New York

HULK HOGAN'S SECRET AGONY: Behind-the-Scenes of the Wrestling Icon's Bitter Family Feud and Downfall

In a shocking turn of events, Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling icon, passed away at 71 in his Clearwater, Florida home on Thursday. But what led to his untimely demise? Was it the stress of maintaining his macho image or the strain of a decades-long family feud that had taken a devastating toll on his heart?

According to insiders close to the family, Hogan's estrangement from daughter Brooke, 36, was a major source of emotional pain for him in the months leading up to his death. The exact reasons behind their eight-year silence remained unclear, but sources revealed that Hogan believed they would eventually reconcile.

The reality show, Hogan Knows Best, made a star out of Brooke Hogan (second from left, pictured with her family)

"It's been a very trying few months for Terry," an insider told The Scholarly Note. "But he isn't allowing it to get to him, and he is living his life the way he wants to live it." However, deep down, Hogan was heartbroken about losing touch with Brooke, who had made headlines in recent years for her own share of controversies.

The estrangement between Hogan and Brooke was a shocking development, especially considering their high-profile family dynamics. The reality TV star's parents, Linda and Terry (Hogan), were once the picture-perfect couple, starring together on VH1's "Hogan Knows Best" in 2005. However, behind-the-scenes, the marriage was marred by allegations of verbal and mental abuse.

Brooke had long claimed to have suffered at the hands of her parents, stating that she'd been subjected to emotional abuse since childhood. Her mother, Linda, even went as far as calling Hogan a "complete liar" and "sex addict" in a disturbing online video. The tension between Brooke and her parents was palpable, with both parties trading blows on social media.

Linda Hogan (pictured) launched into an online rant about her ex, Hogan, and daughter, Brooke, in March

But what really sparked the feud? Insiders revealed that Hogan's infidelity was a major contributor to the family's downfall. In 2007, he was caught red-handed in a compromising position with his friend Bubba the Love Sponge's wife. The scandal led to a $100 million lawsuit against gossip site Gawker, which ultimately settled for $31 million.

The Hogan family's personal drama only intensified as Linda and Hogan's marriage unraveled. In 2012, Linda was arrested for DUI, while Hogan continued to bask in his reality TV fame. He even launched his own beer brand and became an ardent Donald Trump supporter, endorsing the former President at a 2024 GOP convention.

However, not everyone was buying into Hogan's act. After he was recorded using racist slurs in 2015, the wrestling icon faced widespread backlash. The video, leaked by The National Enquirer, showed Hogan repeatedly using the n-word while referring to his daughter's love life. His apology attempts only fueled more outrage.

Brooke and Hogan arrive for the MTV Video Music Awards in 2004

The controversy continued this year as Hogan was booed during a rare WWE appearance in Los Angeles. But amidst all the chaos, Hogan remained preoccupied with reconciling with Brooke. In a final conversation before his death, sources revealed that Brooke managed to tell her father she loved him, according to TMZ.

Hogan's final years were marked by declining public popularity and increasing family drama. Despite his bravado, he was struggling with health issues, including a major neck surgery in June. But it was the strain of his fractured home life that may have ultimately taken its toll on his heart.

As friends and fans mourn Hogan's passing, they can't help but wonder what really went down behind closed doors. Was it the stress of maintaining his image or the pain of losing touch with his beloved daughter? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear – Hulk Hogan's legacy will forever be marred by his own personal demons.

A younger Hogan is seen with his children Brooke, 3, and Nick, 1, on a floral-print couch

The Tragic Tale of a Family in Crisis

In the months leading up to his death, Hogan's family dynamics were in shambles. His estrangement from Brooke had become public knowledge, with both parties exchanging barbs on social media. But what sparked this bitter feud?

Insiders revealed that Hogan's infidelity was a major contributor to the family's downfall. In 2007, he was caught red-handed in a compromising position with his friend Bubba the Love Sponge's wife. The scandal led to a $100 million lawsuit against gossip site Gawker, which ultimately settled for $31 million.

The wrestler is captured affectionately rubbing noses with his 3-year-old daughter, Brooke

But it wasn't just Hogan's infidelity that caused tension within the family. His wife Linda had long struggled with her own demons, including allegations of verbal and mental abuse. In a disturbing online video, she accused Hogan of being a "complete liar" and "sex addict."

Meanwhile, their daughter Brooke was navigating her own share of controversies. She'd made headlines for her tumultuous relationship with husband Steven Oleksy, who had reportedly tried to foster peace between the warring family members.

As the drama unfolded, Hogan remained his usual boisterous self. He launched his own beer brand and became an ardent Donald Trump supporter, endorsing the former President at a 2024 GOP convention. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

Hogan is seen with his ex wife, Linda, early in their marriage, while boating on the Gulf Coast

In the end, it may have been too much for Hogan's fragile heart to handle. His family drama had taken a devastating toll on his physical health, leaving him with "the body of a 140-year-old man," according to one insider.

The wrestling icon's passing has left fans in shock, but also raises questions about the true nature of his final years. Was it the stress of maintaining his image or the pain of losing touch with his beloved daughter? Whatever the reason, Hulk Hogan's legacy will forever be marred by his own personal demons.

A Family Legacy Marred by Scandal and Strife

Hogan is seen with Donald Trump in 1987. Decades later, he'd support the President on the campaign trail

Hulk Hogan's life was a testament to excess and ego. He had it all – fame, fortune, and a physique that could stop traffic. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with personal demons and family drama.

His estrangement from Brooke was just one of many scandals that plagued his final years. There was the $100 million lawsuit against Gawker, the racist slur controversy, and even allegations of verbal and mental abuse within his own family.

Despite it all, Hogan remained a larger-than-life figure, always willing to poke fun at himself or engage in a good old-fashioned wrestling match. But deep down, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

In the end, it may have been too much for his fragile heart to handle. His family drama had taken a devastating toll on his physical health, leaving him with "the body of a 140-year-old man," according to one insider.

As fans mourn Hogan's passing, they can't help but wonder what really went down behind closed doors. Was it the stress of maintaining his image or the pain of losing touch with his beloved daughter? Whatever the reason, Hulk Hogan's legacy will forever be marred by his own personal demons.

The Final Years of a Wrestling Icon

Hulk Hogan's life was a rollercoaster ride of excess and ego. He had it all – fame, fortune, and a physique that could stop traffic. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with personal demons and family drama.

His estrangement from Brooke was just one of many scandals that plagued his final years. There was the $100 million lawsuit against Gawker, the racist slur controversy, and even allegations of verbal and mental abuse within his own family.

Despite it all, Hogan remained a larger-than-life figure, always willing to poke fun at himself or engage in a good old-fashioned wrestling match. But deep down, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

In the months leading up to his death, Hogan's family dynamics were in shambles. His estrangement from Brooke had become public knowledge, with both parties exchanging barbs on social media. But what sparked this bitter feud?

Insiders revealed that Hogan's infidelity was a major contributor to the family's downfall. In 2007, he was caught red-handed in a compromising position with his friend Bubba the Love Sponge's wife. The scandal led to a $100 million lawsuit against gossip site Gawker, which ultimately settled for $31 million.

But it wasn't just Hogan's infidelity that caused tension within the family. His wife Linda had long struggled with her own demons, including allegations of verbal and mental abuse. In a disturbing online video, she accused Hogan of being a "complete liar" and "sex addict."

Meanwhile, their daughter Brooke was navigating her own share of controversies. She'd made headlines for her tumultuous relationship with husband Steven Oleksy, who had reportedly tried to foster peace between the warring family members.

As the drama unfolded, Hogan remained his usual boisterous self. He launched his own beer brand and became an ardent Donald Trump supporter, endorsing the former President at a 2024 GOP convention. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

In the end, it may have been too much for Hogan's fragile heart to handle. His family drama had taken a devastating toll on his physical health, leaving him with "the body of a 140-year-old man," according to one insider.

The wrestling icon's passing has left fans in shock, but also raises questions about the true nature of his final years. Was it the stress of maintaining his image or the pain of losing touch with his beloved daughter? Whatever the reason, Hulk Hogan's legacy will forever be marred by his own personal demons.

A Life of Excess and Scandal

Hulk Hogan's life was a testament to excess and ego. He had it all – fame, fortune, and a physique that could stop traffic. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with personal demons and family drama.

His estrangement from Brooke was just one of many scandals that plagued his final years. There was the $100 million lawsuit against Gawker, the racist slur controversy, and even allegations of verbal and mental abuse within his own family.

Despite it all, Hogan remained a larger-than-life figure, always willing to poke fun at himself or engage in a good old-fashioned wrestling match. But deep down, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

In the months leading up to his death, Hogan's family dynamics were in shambles. His estrangement from Brooke had become public knowledge, with both parties exchanging barbs on social media. But what sparked this bitter feud?

Insiders revealed that Hogan's infidelity was a major contributor to the family's downfall. In 2007, he was caught red-handed in a compromising position with his friend Bubba the Love Sponge's wife. The scandal led to a $100 million lawsuit against gossip site Gawker, which ultimately settled for $31 million.

But it wasn't just Hogan's infidelity that caused tension within the family. His wife Linda had long struggled with her own demons, including allegations of verbal and mental abuse. In a disturbing online video, she accused Hogan of being a "complete liar" and "sex addict."

Meanwhile, their daughter Brooke was navigating her own share of controversies. She'd made headlines for her tumultuous relationship with husband Steven Oleksy, who had reportedly tried to foster peace between the warring family members.

As the drama unfolded, Hogan remained his usual boisterous self. He launched his own beer brand and became an ardent Donald Trump supporter, endorsing the former President at a 2024 GOP convention. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

In the end, it may have been too much for Hogan's fragile heart to handle. His family drama had taken a devastating toll on his physical health, leaving him with "the body of a 140-year-old man," according to one insider.

The wrestling icon's passing has left fans in shock, but also raises questions about the true nature of his final years. Was it the stress of maintaining his image or the pain of losing touch with his beloved daughter? Whatever the reason, Hulk Hogan's legacy will forever be marred by his own personal demons.

A Legacy Marred by Scandal and Strife

Hulk Hogan's life was a testament to excess and ego. He had it all – fame, fortune, and a physique that could stop traffic. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with personal demons and family drama.

His estrangement from Brooke was just one of many scandals that plagued his final years. There was the $100 million lawsuit against Gawker, the racist slur controversy, and even allegations of verbal and mental abuse within his own family.

Despite it all, Hogan remained a larger-than-life figure, always willing to poke fun at himself or engage in a good old-fashioned wrestling match. But deep down, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

In the months leading up to his death, Hogan's family dynamics were in shambles. His estrangement from Brooke had become public knowledge, with both parties exchanging barbs on social media. But what sparked this bitter feud?

Insiders revealed that Hogan's infidelity was a major contributor to the family's downfall. In 2007, he was caught red-handed in a compromising position with his friend Bubba the Love Sponge's wife. The scandal led to a $100 million lawsuit against gossip site Gawker, which ultimately settled for $31 million.

But it wasn't just Hogan's infidelity that caused tension within the family. His wife Linda had long struggled with her own demons, including allegations of verbal and mental abuse. In a disturbing online video, she accused Hogan of being a "complete liar" and "sex addict."

Meanwhile, their daughter Brooke was navigating her own share of controversies. She'd made headlines for her tumultuous relationship with husband Steven Oleksy, who had reportedly tried to foster peace between the warring family members.

As the drama unfolded, Hogan remained his usual boisterous self. He launched his own beer brand and became an ardent Donald Trump supporter, endorsing the former President at a 2024 GOP convention. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

In the end, it may have been too much for Hogan's fragile heart to handle. His family drama had taken a devastating toll on his physical health, leaving him with "the body of a 140-year-old man," according to one insider.

The wrestling icon's passing has left fans in shock, but also raises questions about the true nature of his final years. Was it the stress of maintaining his image or the pain of losing touch with his beloved daughter? Whatever the reason, Hulk Hogan's legacy will forever be marred by his own personal demons.

A Final Farewell to a Wrestling Icon

Hulk Hogan's life was a testament to excess and ego. He had it all – fame, fortune, and a physique that could stop traffic. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with personal demons and family drama.

His estrangement from Brooke was just one of many scandals that plagued his final years. There was the $100 million lawsuit against Gawker, the racist slur controversy, and even allegations of verbal and mental abuse within his own family.

Despite it all, Hogan remained a larger-than-life figure, always willing to poke fun at himself or engage in a good old-fashioned wrestling match. But deep down, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

In the months leading up to his death, Hogan's family dynamics were in shambles. His estrangement from Brooke had become public knowledge, with both parties exchanging barbs on social media. But what sparked this bitter feud?

Insiders revealed that Hogan's infidelity was a major contributor to the family's downfall. In 2007, he was caught red-handed in a compromising position with his friend Bubba the Love Sponge's wife. The scandal led to a $100 million lawsuit against gossip site Gawker, which ultimately settled for $31 million.

But it wasn't just Hogan's infidelity that caused tension within the family. His wife Linda had long struggled with her own demons, including allegations of verbal and mental abuse. In a disturbing online video, she accused Hogan of being a "complete liar" and "sex addict."

Meanwhile, their daughter Brooke was navigating her own share of controversies. She'd made headlines for her tumultuous relationship with husband Steven Oleksy, who had reportedly tried to foster peace between the warring family members.

As the drama unfolded, Hogan remained his usual boisterous self. He launched his own beer brand and became an ardent Donald Trump supporter, endorsing the former President at a 2024 GOP convention. But beneath the surface, he was struggling with health issues and personal demons.

In the end, it may have been too much for Hogan's fragile heart to handle. His family drama had taken a devastating toll on his physical health, leaving him with "the body of a 140-year-old man," according to one insider.

The wrestling icon's passing has left fans in shock, but also raises questions about the true nature of his final years. Was it the stress of maintaining his image or the pain of losing touch with his beloved daughter? Whatever the reason, Hulk Hogan's legacy will forever be marred by his own personal demons.