WWE icon Hulk Hogan spent his final weeks wanting to return to work, despite feeling “embarrassed” about his declining health, according to his close friend Eric Bischoff.
The wrestling world lost a legend when Hogan passed away on Thursday, July 24, at age 71. However, new details from his longtime friend and wrestling executive paint a picture of the Hulkster’s final days – and his unwavering passion for the business.
Speaking on his “83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff” podcast on Tuesday, July 29, the 70-year-old producer opened up about one of his last visits with the wrestling superstar at his Florida home.
“I could tell he was weak. He sounded tired,” Bischoff revealed, explaining that Hogan’s son Nick had encouraged him to make the call.
“[Hogan] said, ‘I really want to see you, but I’m kind of embarrassed for you to see me this way because I’ve been pretty sick,'” the wrestling booker candidly shared.
Bischoff told his longtime pal, “When I look at you, I don’t see the same thing you see when you look in the mirror, so f— that, I’ll be down Monday.”
Despite his declining health, Hogan’s mind remained focused on what he loved most – the wrestling business. During their hour-long visit, the conversation centered around work.
Hogan asked Bischoff about upcoming events and updates on their Real American Freestyle venture. “All he wanted to talk about was business, but in a fun, energetic way,” Bischoff recalled, noting his friend’s enthusiasm despite the physical toll.
While Hogan wasn’t exactly “struggling” for breath, Bischoff could see the extra effort required. “It was work for him to have a conversation, but he was the same guy.”
Bischoff then tried to give his friend something to look forward to beyond his medical care. The veteran promoter offered to set up promotional interviews for Hogan, knowing it would be “quite a while” before the legend could handle such responsibilities.
However, Hogan’s response showed his fighting spirit remained intact. “He said, ‘Brother, I can’t wait. I may not be able to do anything on camera for a couple weeks, but I’ll be good on the phone. You can set some stuff up for me,'” Bischoff recounted.
Even in his final days, Hogan was “so anxious to get back to work.” As Bischoff put it, “He loved the hunt, the thrill of the hunt.”
Tragically, Hogan never got the chance to return to the promotional work he so eagerly anticipated.
The wrestling icon passed away after first responders arrived at his Clearwater Beach residence in Florida for a medical emergency. After being transported to a local hospital, Hogan was pronounced dead.
