VIDEO: Hulk Hogan - "Brother, I Told The Truth" About Ex-Wife's Drinking, Rages
Oct. 28 2009, Published 10:40 a.m. ET
Hulk Hogan has tangled with everyone from Rocky Balboa to Andre the Giant, but there's one opponent that he can't seem to shake off his back: his ex-wife, Linda.
In his new book, My Life Outside the Ring, the pro wrestling superstar continued painting an unsettling picture of his ex -- one of a foul-mouthed alcoholic who spent money like water and abused her family.
Hulk & Linda Hogan Settle Divorce
Hogan, appearing on Larry King Live Tuesday, was read a statement issued by Linda, in which she called for him to retract the offending verses.
VIDEO: Hulk Hogan Says Laila Ali Saved His Life
Like in his ring battles, Hulk didn't flinch.
"There was constant verbal and mental abuse, which I really didn't realize, you know, was going on," Hogan said. "You know, and it got to the point that, you know, the first time I heard the f-word, I was in shock and then to the point when I started hearing it every day, I get used to it -- you know."
Hulk Hogan, promoting his new book, My Life Outside the Ring, on The Today Show Tuesday, said a well-timed phone call from his former American Gladiators co-host Laila Ali saved him from possibly killing himself.
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The pro-wrestling superstar said that the critical call took place during a rough time after his son was involved in a car accident and his wife filed for divorce more than two years ago. He said he was sitting in his Florida mansion, hopped up on Xanax and Rum and contemplated shooting himself.
When asked by King if he would issue a retraction over the Linda comments, Hogan, sporting an October-appropriate pink bandana, told King, "No brother, I told the truth."
It was a busy day for the Hulkster, who surprisingly announced he was returning to pro wrestling with TNA, a Southern-based wrestling promotion which airs on Spike TV.
"I'm thrilled to be jumping back into the world of professional wrestling," he said. "My fans have been asking me to return to the business for many years on a full time basis, but the timing or the opportunity has never been right until now."