The late Hulk Hogan, one of the most legendary and recognizable WWE figures, was known not just for his signature blonde mustache and vibrant yellow and red attire but also for his consistent in-ring style throughout his career. From his iconic “hulk-up” moments to his finishing move, the leg drop, Hogan’s actions in the ring defined his wrestling persona. Despite his many career highlights, Hogan has openly expressed regret over his use of the leg drop, a move he admitted took a heavy toll on his body. In an October 2023 interview on the Insights podcast with Chris Van Vriette, Hogan revealed that the severity of the rings he wrestled in starting in 1977 caused significant damage, especially since the leg drop involved thrusting into a hard surface while landing on his tailbone. He reflected that using alternative moves like a sleeper hold could have spared his spine and back from harm.
Hogan further discussed the physical consequences of his leg drop in a 2019 interview with the LA Times, attributing many of his back surgeries to this move. He underwent spinal fusion surgery in December 2010 after enduring multiple operations, with fusion surgery being the only one that relieved his ongoing pain. Hogan returned to wrestling for a brief period in TNA after this. In 2013, he filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the Laser Spinal Institute, claiming the surgeries and mismanagement resulted in a $50 million loss in past and future earnings. Throughout his life, Hogan faced persistent back problems and later had neck fusion surgery. However, according to Sky Daily, this surgery was unrelated to his previous health complications. Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, from cardiac arrest after struggling with numerous health issues post-surgery.
Fan Take: This revelation about Hogan’s leg drop underscores the physical sacrifices wrestlers make, often hidden behind their larger-than-life personas. For WWE fans, it’s a poignant reminder of the toll wrestling takes and highlights the importance of evolving wrestler safety to preserve the stars who entertain us.
