The Dark Side of Wrestling: Hulk Hogan's Battle with Fentanyl Addiction
Hulk Hogan, a wrestling icon, revealed in the Netflix docuseries "Hulk Hogan: Real American" that he struggled with a dangerous fentanyl addiction while wrestling for TNA. Following his divorce from Linda Hogan in 2009, Hulk joined TNA to support himself financially. However, his physical condition deteriorated, leading him to rely on fentanyl to manage his severe pain. Hulk admitted to taking dangerously high doses of fentanyl, including patches, lollipops, and pills, which shocked his pharmacist with the amount he consumed. The pain became so unbearable that Hulk had to sleep in a chair and experienced severe muscle spasms.
Despite his efforts to continue wrestling, Hulk Hogan's health declined, and he had to retire from the ring in 2012. His contract with TNA ended in 2013, marking the end of his wrestling career. Hulk's struggle with fentanyl addiction sheds light on the challenges faced by athletes dealing with chronic pain and the risks associated with opioid use.