WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, 71, underwent a neck fusion procedure on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, according to reports citing his representative. Hogan is said to be recovering well and was reportedly already back to work by Thursday, May 15.
According to TMZ Sports, who first reported the news, a representative for Hogan described the operation as a “little fusion procedure” intended to help the iconic performer “feel a little better.” The representative emphasized the “quick turnaround” for Hogan, a sentiment often echoed after his numerous previous surgeries.
This recent operation adds to an extensive list of medical procedures Hogan has endured over the years, largely stemming from his decades-long, high-impact career in professional wrestling. In an October 2024 interview on Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive” podcast, Hogan himself stated he had undergone at least 25 operations in the preceding decade. These have included “10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything,” as he put it.
The cumulative physical toll of his career, which saw him become one of the biggest global stars in entertainment during the 1980s and 1990s, has necessitated these frequent medical interventions. Neck issues are common among veteran professional wrestlers due to the nature of taking bumps and performing powerful maneuvers over many years.
Despite the surgery, Hogan’s team indicated he required minimal recovery time and was keen to return to his current endeavors. He is actively involved in preparing for the launch of his new amateur wrestling league, Real American Freestyle Wrestling, which he is developing with former WCW president Eric Bischoff. The debut event for this new venture is reportedly scheduled for August 30, 2025.
The “little fusion procedure” is presumably aimed at alleviating pain or addressing instability in his cervical spine, common goals for such surgeries. While no specific details about the cause necessitating this particular fusion were released, it’s understood to be part of managing the long-term effects of his physically demanding career.
