Hulk Hogan Said Laila Ali Helped Him Get Through His Divorce

The tragic news that Hulk Hogan had passed away broke on July 24. Naturally, Hulk was a far-reaching presence in the WWE and the entertainment industry as a whole. Because of this, many are paying tribute to him as well as remembering moments with the larger-than-life figure, some funny and others more serious. 

One of the more serious moments in Hulk Hogan’s life is when he stated in his memoir, “My Life Outside The Ring,” that boxing legend Laila Ali saved his life on one occasion. Notably, this occurred during his divorce.

According to NBC Los Angeles 4, Laila Ali confirmed this in an interview. She said, “I do remember working with Hulk on the set of ‘American Gladiators’ and he was going through a hard time, going through a divorce with his wife.”

She continued, “I did call him from time to time when we were shooting the show for whatever reason & I did offer him lots of words of inspiration & support.” Notably, Hulk stated in his book that he considered self-harm during this period in his life.

Laila Ali continued in the interview, “I think that was just divine intervention.”

Laila Ali and Hulk Hogan Were Friends

During the previously mentioned interview, Laila Ali spoke more about her relationship with Hulk Hogan. She recalled referring him to a church. According to her, “Rev. Michael [from ‘The Secret’] has a church here, Agape in Los Angeles, that I’ve been going to since I was 12 years old, so I told Hulk and then he went.”

She then said, “He loved it, he kept going. I remember I ran into him there.” The boxing legend then shared why Hulk reminded her of her own father. She explained, “He’s a very nice, down-to-earth guy – he turns it on for the show, and that’s why he reminds me of my father. Because he’s very different on camera than he is off camera. I think the core of him is just a very good, honest, loving man.”

He Was 71 When He Passed

According to TMZ, medics were sent to Hulk Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, on the morning of July 24. Operators told them that there was a person, Hulk, at the address who was experiencing cardiac arrest. 

Medical professionals tried to save his life as he was being wheeled to the ambulance. He was sadly pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. They initially received the call at 9:51 a.m. Hulk Hogan will be missed.