Hogan had a history of atrial fibrillation and leukemia, as noted on his medical examiner's certificate. The exact role fentanyl may have played in contributing to his heart attack remains unclear, and it is unknown whether he received any professional treatment for his addiction or mental health issues.
A Netflix documentary titled 'Hulk Hogan: Real American', which includes his final interview, reveals he suffered from fentanyl addiction to manage physical pain from wrestling. According to Daily Mail - Sport, Hogan described taking high doses of fentanyl, including patches and lollipops, to cope with severe back spasms. A pharmacist told the same outlet that such amounts were unprecedented and potentially lethal. The documentary details that Hogan's divorce from his first wife Linda in 2009 led to a personal crisis, during which he contemplated suicide. According to The Independent - Main, Hogan described hitting rock bottom and sitting with a gun in his mouth after drinking and taking pills.
I was taking 80-milligram fentanyls, two in the morning, stuffing them under my gums here. I had two 300mg patches of fentanyl on my legs and they gave me six 1500mg fentanyl lollipops to eat.
After his divorce, Hogan signed a deal with TNA wrestling but was in no shape to compete, according to reports. The documentary also features an interview with President Donald Trump, who discussed Hogan's controversial nature. According to The Independent - Main, Trump described both himself and Hogan as controversial figures. A Rolling Stone interview during Hogan's divorce generated controversy over comments about O.J. Simpson, with Hogan later expressing regret. According to The Independent - Main, Hogan said he understood how someone could 'flip out' but wished he had never done the interview. The current status of any investigations into Hogan's medical care or prescription practices is unknown, as is how his family has responded to the documentary revelations.
If I just twitched my finger like that, my whole back would spasm and torque.
Well, brother, I've been that jealous and that mad at a girl that I completely understand how he flipped out. But I would never do that. I would never go there. I wish I'd never done the interview with Rolling Stone.
I went home and started drinking, and started eating pills. I just went down this rabbit hole for a couple of days, and next thing I know I'm sitting in my bathroom with a gun in my mouth, not knowing what I was doing.
I hit rock bottom.
Hulk was always very controversial. That's okay, I'm fairly controversial. I think I've become less controversial over the years, but I'm fairly controversial too, but I don't think Hulk cares about that, and I don't care about that either.