Hulk Hogan Passes at 71: Friend’s Health Warnings Stir Controversy Amid Tributes

The wrestling world mourns the loss of a true icon, Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday, surrounded by loved ones. Known to millions as the larger-than-life Terry Bollea, Hogan's impact on professional wrestling is immeasurable, with a career that defined an era through sheer charisma and raw power.

Amidst the grief, a poignant and controversial voice emerges from Hogan's past. Bubba the Love Sponge, once a close confidant, has spoken out, claiming he had warned of Hogan's declining health for weeks—assertions dismissed by those in the wrestler's inner circle. "I wish to God I wasn’t right," Bubba lamented on his radio show, expressing sorrow that being correct meant losing a friend. Their history, marked by personal and public turmoil including a notorious scandal, adds layers of complexity to his statements.

Bubba's frustration is palpable as he calls out Hogan's close associates for downplaying the truth about the legend’s condition. "I have a special connection to this guy," he said, reflecting on a 15-year friendship filled with shared secrets he vows to keep private even now.

Hogan’s legacy, however, towers above personal disputes. From his early days in Championship Wrestling from Florida to becoming the face of WWE under Vince McMahon’s vision, Hogan transformed into a cultural phenomenon. "Hulkamania" wasn’t just a catchphrase—it was a movement. With six WWE championships, two Royal Rumble victories, and multiple Hall of Fame inductions, his accolades speak volumes. A statement on his Instagram captured the collective heartbreak: "May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind."

As fans worldwide remember the man who urged them to say their prayers and eat their vitamins, the wrestling ring feels emptier today. Hogan’s roar may have faded, but his spirit remains a titan in the annals of sports entertainment.