VIDEO: Hulk Hogan Says Laila Ali Saved His Life
Oct. 27 2009, Published 2:23 p.m. ET
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.
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.
“All of a sudden the phone rang," Hogan said. "And it was Laila, and she said, ‘Hey, what’s going on? You’re on the set. You’re all depressed. We’re worried about you. You going to be OK?’
“She called with no agenda, just to say hi and check on me,” Hogan said. “It snapped me out of it. At that moment I switched gears. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Her voice saved my life, it really did.”
More than 25 months later, Hulk is in a much better place and ready for another run up the ladder, as the 56-year-old ring vet is slated to dust off his yellow and red wrestling gear for a tour of Australia beginning Nov. 24 in Melbourne, with his opponent being 60-year-old pro wrestling legend Ric Flair. Other notable wrestlers scheduled for action on the tour are Diamond Dallas Page, and some of the Hulkster's Hogan Knows Best guest stars, Brutus Beefcake and The Nasty Boys.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
