WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart has expressed his shock following the death of his long-time friend and client Hulk Hogan.
Hart revealed he had received a positive update on Hogan’s condition just the night before he passed away.
In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Hart recounted calling Hogan last Wednesday evening. While he spoke with an assistant, the message passed along was that the retired pro wrestler was “doing great.”
Hart said the encouraging news made Hogan’s death on Thursday all the more stunning. “I called [Hogan] on Wednesday night, and then Thursday morning is when everything took place,” an emotional Hart stated. “So just…just overnight it all happened, but it was so positive the day before.”
Hogan, 71, died Thursday after Clearwater Police Department officers responded to a cardiac incident at his Florida home.
Hart remembered his last in-person meeting with Hogan, which was about a month ago, before his neck surgery. He recalled Hogan being in good spirits at his Hogan’s Hangout bar. “He was great,” Hart said. “He was talking with the fans. He was just phenomenal.”
The manager, who was by Hogan’s side through the height of his fame in both the WWF and WCW, described the experience of being with the megastar.
It was like traveling with Elvis Presley. It was just unbelievable. The fans just came out of the woodwork for Hulk. I mean, no matter where we went, it was insane.
While Hogan maintained a tough persona in the ring, Hart said he was “a big softy” behind the scenes who deeply loved the wrestling business, even after his body had broken down from years of performing.
