Fred Ottman (also known as Typhoon), one-half of WWE Hall of Fame-inducted Natural Disasters, has provided an update after revealing a lengthy recent hospitalization.
Earlier this month, the 69-year-old former wrestler announced that he had spent the better part of a month in a St. Petersburg hospital after his gallbladder “exploded.” He said in the statement that the explosion caused an infection, making him bedridden.
A week later, Ottman is at home and resting, per a clip he shared on Facebook. He said in the update that he is currently using a walker to get around and in the process of “learning to walk again.” He also noted that he’s scheduled for surgery on the 23rd, although it wasn’t specified what he’ll be going in for.
Along with the updates, Ottman expressed significant gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received since announcing his hospitalization.
“Stay with me, man. I’m glad for all the support and everything, god bless. I’ve been trying to occupy my mind as far as walking, learning to walk again with this walker, and all that stuff … It’s very frustrating sometimes, but somebody that’s been there know what the deal is. Like I said, I’ve been signing some cards, doing some autographs for some wrestling fans, and trying to keep my mind where it needs to be. But everything’s good, it just takes time. It’s just a slow, one step at a time kind of situation, but I love you all, and thank you very much for all the support. God bless you, bye.”
Ottman, a veteran of the wrestling scene, is best known by his in-ring names, Typhoon, the Shockmaster, and Tugboat. Alongside the late John Tenta, who was known as Earthquake, Ottman was part of the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame class.
