EXCLUSIVE: Hulk Hogan 'Recovering Smoothly' After Back Surgery

By:Radar Staff

Dec. 22 2010, Published 6:55 a.m. ET

After a grueling 10-hour surgery to fuse his spine, former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan is resting in his hospital bed and "doing well," a source close to the reality star tells RadarOnline.com exclusively.

"It was a pretty lengthy surgical procedure. Doctors did some fusion work and rebuilding and restructuring of the spine. But he's recovering smoothly," said the source.

The former pro wrestler (real name Terry Bollea) checked into a Tampa area hospital early Tuesday morning after suffering from an injured back after years of wear and tear - especially in the ring.

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"We hope he'll be able to leave the hospital relatively quickly," added the source. "He's always taken very good care of himself and in very good physical shape."

Although bedridden for now, a physical therapist will soon be accessing the Hulk's condition, and according to the source, "get him moving and hopefully back home in a few days."

The source added, "If Terry had his way, he'd go home tomorrow."