Hulk Hogan opens up about recent battle with opioid addiction
Hulk Hogan arguably put wrestling on the map but has struggled through many personal demons over the years.
Hogan set the wrestling scene alight in the 80s and 90s but has since become a controversial figure in the industry. Over the years, the Hulkster has been embroiled in numerous scandals, however, his 2015 libel case and consequent firing from WWE is the most infamous. Hogan was shockingly recorded during a racist rant, where he used the “N-word” multiple times. Since then, many fans have struggled to separate Terry Gene Bollea from Hulk Hogan.
WWE has since made amends with the legend, and he’s back to being associated with the promotion. Some fans have softened to him over the years, and forgiven the man for his mistakes. Despite repairing some of these relationships, Hulk Hogan fell deeper into his demons not too long ago. In a recent interview with Muscle and Health, Hogan revealed that he battled an opioid addiction after multiple surgeries.
“I had doctors writing me prescription after prescription, and all of a sudden, it became a vicious cycle. I was hitting the pain pills hard because I’d had to endure twenty-five procedures. There was a period of time, about five or six years ago, where I was in crazy pain to the extent I couldn’t even function,” Hogan said. “It got to a point where I’d recovered from the tenth back surgery, and teh pharmacy would call me and say, ‘Your prescription’s ready,’ and like a dog chasing a bone, I’d go pick it up.”
While his personal life seems to be a drama-filled whirlwind, Hulk Hogan has seemingly regained much of the adoration he once had before his racism scandal. The 70-year-old WWE legend is even getting married for the third time, to 45-year-old yoga instructor, Sky Daily.
How has Hulk Hogan been dealing with his newfound opioid addiction?
While addiction has been the end of scores of other pro wrestlers far younger than Hulk Hogan, the legend managed to kick the opioid addiction. During the same interview, Hogan explained that he has since begun using CBD to treat his chronic pain.
“Then, finally, I just looked at myself and said, ‘I’m not in pain. I don’t need this. My body hurts from all the wrestling injuries, but I’m not in this excruciating pain that I can’t live with.’ But then the CBD took me to a place where my joints don’t hurt so much when I wake up,” Hogan said. “The inflammation instantly went away with CBD. I noticed an immediate change as soon as I started on it.”
Hulk Hogan’s experience with CBD has since inspired him to launch his own health and wellness brand under CarmaHoldCo. He notably joins fellow WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair and Mike Tyson, who also have brands under the company. Hogan will likely continue to divide fans, especially online, but the six-time WWE Champion introduced many fans to pro wrestling.
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