Hulk Hogan's dramatic body transformation sparked huge concern on last TV appearance

Just weeks before his death at 71, legendary Hulk Hoganmade his last-ever TV appearance in May on Fox & Friends to discuss his new venture, Real American Freestyle wrestling. However, instead of focusing on the project, viewers fixated on his appearance, many describing him as looking “unwell.”

Social media erupted with commentary about the wrestling legend’s look. Known for his signature bronze glow, fans insisted that Hogan’s skin appeared to be unusually aged suddenly.

In his final TV appearance, the WWE legend wore a t-shirt reading ‘America first, beer second’, topped with his iconic red bandana and sunglasses perched overhead. His facial hair caught attention too as his beard was dyed jet black while his goatee and hair stayed remained stark white.

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Comments online were relentless as one viewer mocked at the time: “Tell Hulk Hogan his face is dirty, clean that soot off." Another echoed: "Does anyone believe this is Hulk Hogan?”

A third compared his look to a toy as they quipped. “Hulk Hogan giving off Wooly Willy vibes this am on Fox & Friends.” Others shared their concern for the WWE legend as one viewer wrote: "Hulk looks so different. I really hope he's doing okay."

Other viewers also noted that while Hogan attempted to explain his new wrestling league, his thoughts seemed scattered, and the segment veered into rambling.

Hogan's death was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in a statement on X which read: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.

“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

It has also been claimed by TMZ that medics were dispatched to the 71-year-old's home in Clearwater, Florida. The sad news comes just a few weeks after his wife, Sky, had to deny rumours he was in a coma.

Hogan is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest at his Florida home. It has been reported that medics were dispatched to Hulk's home in Clearwater, Florida, early on Thursday morning; it's understood operators stated it was a "cardiac arrest".

TMZ has reported that a flurry of police cars and emergency vehicles were parked outside the wrestling legend's home, and he was 'carried on a stretcher into an ambulance'.

The audio from the 911 call, as medics rushed to Hulk Hogan's home, has been shared. In the audio, obtained by TMZ, first responders can be heard explaining that a patient had gone into cardiac arrest.

Just weeks before Hulk's death, a representative for the WWE icon denied speculation he was gravely ill. In May, it was announced he'd undergone a small "fusion procedure" on his neck.

But in June, a YouTuber claimed that things were "not looking good" for him. Denying the speculation, a representative said that Hulk's surgery had been "successful" and there were "no reasons to panic." They added: "He just needs from time to time a medical check up."

In his final Instagram video, Hogan made a promotional clip for Real American Beer where he sipped on the alcoholic beverage and encouraged his fans to try the patriotic beer.

"Real American beer, made in America, by real Americans," he said before taking a sip. "Get some, brother. That's Americ,a brother," he added.

The wrestling world has begun reacting to the shocking news of Hulk Hogan's death, as he's been hailed as "one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures".

Ric Flair, who is a champion in wrestling like Hulk, paid tribute as he wrote online: "I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!

"Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be.

"He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!"

Taking to Instagram, Hollywood legend Sylvester shared a snap of himself and Hulk, who he appeared alongside in Rocky III in 1982.

The actor said: "I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he's gone…"

Broadcaster Piers Morgan, who once interviewed Hulk, has also branded the WWE star the "most iconic" wrestler.

In a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: "RIP Hulk Hogan - the most iconic wrestler in history, a wonderful character, and in person, a far gentler, charming, intelligent man far removed from his snarling beast ring (and Rocky movie!) persona. Sad news."

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