Hulk Hogan's Struggle with Fentanyl Dependence Revealed in Final Interview
In a poignant revelation from his last interview before passing away, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan opened up about his severe reliance on the powerful opioid fentanyl to cope with chronic pain towards the end of his illustrious career. The sports icon, who died in July 2025 at the age of 71 due to a heart attack, detailed how his physical condition deteriorated during his time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, making it nearly impossible for him to compete at the highest level without pharmaceutical assistance.
The Descent into Opioid Use
Hogan, who joined TNA at 58 years old, described this period as hitting "rock-bottom" financially after his divorce from first wife Linda Hogan in 2009, where he gave away substantial assets, leaving him in need of income. To manage the excruciating pain from years of wrestling injuries, he turned to fentanyl, a prescription medication known for its potency and high risk of addiction. In the Netflix docuseries Hulk Hogan: Real American, he recounted taking extreme doses, including 80-milligram fentanyl tablets placed under his gums twice daily, along with multiple high-dose patches and lollipops.
A pharmacist reportedly told Hogan, "You should be dead. We have never seen a human being take this much fentanyl," highlighting the dangerous levels of his consumption. The pain was so debilitating that he resorted to sleeping in a chair to avoid aggravating his back, noting that even minor movements could trigger severe spasms.
Emotional Turmoil and Suicidal Thoughts
Beyond the physical agony, Hogan also faced profound emotional distress. He admitted to contemplating suicide following public backlash after his divorce, describing a downward spiral of alcohol and pill abuse. "I went home, I started drinking and started eating pills, and I just went down this rabbit hole for a couple of days," he shared. "Next thing I know, I'm sitting in front of my bathroom with a gun in my mouth and not knowing what I was doing." This candid admission underscores the mental health struggles that often accompany chronic pain and public scrutiny.
The docuseries serves as a stark reminder of the opioid crisis and the hidden battles faced by athletes in high-impact sports. If you or someone you know is in crisis, resources like Lifeline at 13 11 14 and beyondblue at 1300 22 4636 offer support for depression and suicidal thoughts.
