Hulk Hogan’s Netflix docuseries revealed a harsh truth about painkillers in the professional wrestling business.
The docuseries “Hulk Hogan: Real American” showed what happens behind the scenes. It focused on pain, injuries, and the use of painkillers. It included one of Hogan’s final interviews before his death in July, 2025.
He spoke openly about how much his body had gone through. Hogan explained how years of wrestling took a heavy toll. The constant damage led him to rely on strong painkillers. He admitted that at one point, the usage became dangerous.
That part stood out the most in the documentary. It showed how serious the situation had become for him and for wrestlers in the past as well.
How painkiller use became common in wrestling and what has changed today
The docuseries showed how Hulk Hogan dealt with constant pain. Years of matches led to repeated injuries. Surgeries followed and recovery never really stopped. He described taking heavy medication just to function during his TNA run and after his divorce.
Hogan said that after going broke because of his 2009 divorce and not being in shape to compete for TNA, he was using fentanyl to help with the pain.
“I was taking 80-milligram fentanyls, two in the morning, stuffing them under my gums here,” Hulk explained in the documentary. “I had two 300mg patches of fentanyl on my legs. And [doctors] gave me six 1500mg fentanyl lollipops to eat.”
Hogan said at one point, a pharmacy doctor said the amount of fentanyl he was taking should have killed him.
Hogan said the issue didn’t start overnight. It built up over years of performing in pain as wrestlers travel constantly and rarely get long breaks. They often continue working even when injured. That pressure makes pain relief a daily need.
Over time, painkillers became a common solution. They helped wrestlers recover quickly and stay active. In earlier eras, there was less focus on long-term health. That made these habits more normal than they should have been.
Hogan was not the only one to face this struggle. Stars like Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, and William Regal also dealt with similar issues. Their stories showed how widespread the problem was. It wasn’t limited to just one generation.
The documentary brought the focus back to Hogan’s journey. His surgeries, injuries, and long career explained the damage. It showed how wear and tear built up over time. However, things have started to change in recent years.
WWE introduced wellness policies to protect talent. There is now more awareness around healt, recovery and mental health has increased. Medical support has improved compared to the past. Still, Hogan’s story served as a reminder. The risks of wrestling go far beyond what fans see and the docuseries showed the cost behind the performances.
Read More: Hulk Hogan Considered Suicide Before TNA Deal ‘Saved’ Him
