Hulk Hogan Was ‘Weak’ and ‘Embarrassed’ to Be Seen in His Final Days, Says Friend Eric Bischoff

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan was physically declining and emotionally vulnerable in the days leading up to his death, according to his longtime friend and collaborator Eric Bischoff.

Speaking on his 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff podcast, the 70-year-old producer recalled a final visit to Hogan’s Florida home before the WWE legend passed away on July 24. Bischoff said Hogan was noticeably frail and hesitant to see visitors.

“He told me, ‘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,’” Bischoff shared. “I said, ‘When I look at you, I don’t see what you see in the mirror — so forget that. I’ll be down Monday.’”

During the hour-long visit, Bischoff said Hogan appeared tired and weak, though his energy lifted when the topic turned to work. “All he wanted to talk about was business,” Bischoff said. “Even though he was clearly putting in more effort than usual just to hold a conversation, he was still the same guy underneath — focused, optimistic, and full of ideas.”

Hogan reportedly asked about upcoming events and projects involving Real American Freestyle. Despite his condition, he was excited about possibly doing phone interviews and making future appearances. “‘Brother, I can’t wait,’ he told me. ‘I may not be ready for camera just yet, but I’ll be good on the phone.’”

To keep Hogan’s spirits up, Bischoff said he discussed ways to slowly get him back into the public eye — though he emphasized to Hogan’s wife, Sky, that there was no pressure. “I texted her to let her know this was only if he wanted to do it,” he said. “She understood and appreciated that.”

According to dispatch records, emergency responders were called to Hogan’s Clearwater Beach home at 9:51 a.m. on July 24. First responders performed CPR and were still attempting to revive him more than 30 minutes later as they prepared to move him into the ambulance. Hogan was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.

“He was so anxious to get back to work,” Bischoff said. “He loved the chase — the thrill of being involved. That’s what kept him going.”

Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was 71 years old. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the wrestling and entertainment world.