Hulk Hogan’s family desperately begged him to avoid neck surgery. But why?

Hulk Hogan family desperately begged him to avoid neck surgery that may have cost his life (Image Via Getty)

Hulk Hogan was warned by his wife, Sky Daily, daughter Brooke Hogan, and son Nick Hogan not to go through with a major neck surgery before he died on July 24, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. The surgery took place in May 2025 and was considered high-risk by those close to him. According to radio host Bubba the Love Sponge, Hogan’s loved ones feared the procedure would backfire because of his active lifestyle and because he couldn’t stay still after such operations. Hogan had many health problems already, and the neck surgery made things worse.

Bubba the Love Sponge details what family said to Hulk Hogan

Bubba said that Hogan’s wife, Sky, daughter Brooke, and son Nick all told him: “Don’t get this neck surgery.” They knew the risks. They worried Hogan would try to work too soon. Boo-boo said his family told him, “Terry, just live with the pain.”

They pointed out that his hands were numb. Hogan himself said he could hardly feel his fingers sometimes. They also warned that the surgery recovery would be hard. Hogan was supposed to rest for many weeks. But just 46 hours after surgery, he was out doing autograph signings and travelling to places like Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Michigan. He was standing for hours in public, meeting fans. According to Bubba, that ruined any chance for proper healing.

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What we know about Hogan’s health after surgery

After the neck procedure, Hogan had had earlier back surgeries, but the neck had not been fused until May. A doctor later said Hogan’s health dropped fast after a follow-up “touch up” surgery. Hogan reportedly broke something in his neck by being too active. This led to serious breathing problems and required medical machines. Sky Daily, his widow, believes the May neck surgery played a big role in his health decline. She is now reportedly preparing a medical malpractice lawsuit connected to Hogan’s death. Hulk Hogan died at 71, with the official cause being a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction). But many now question whether things could have been different if he’d rested.