Did Kratom Kill Hulk Hogan?

Creatix / July 26, 2025

No. There is no evidence linking his death to Kratom or any supplements. Wrestling superstar Terry Bollea ("Hulk Hogan") (Terry Bollea) passed away at age 71 on July 24, 2025, due to cardiac arrest, following years of severe health issues and recent neck surgery. (WIRED).

In Memoriam To the Hulk

Born Terry Bollea was born August 11, 1953 in Augusta, Georgia. He began his wrestling career in 1977, rising to global fame in the 1980s with WWE as the larger-than-life "Hulk Hogan" persona (Wikipedia, Indiatimes).
Led WWE’s mainstream boom with iconic catchphrases and shoulders over-the-top muscle power; starred in WrestleMania, headlined Saturday Night’s Main Event, and later helped steer WCW's nWo storyline (Wikipedia, Indiatimes).
Known for over 25 surgeries in the last decade—including back, hip, knee, shoulder, and neck operations—and long-term steroid and pain medication use that took a toll on his body (DEA Diversion Control Division).
In his final moments, emergency services arrived around 9:51 a.m. ET at his Clearwater, FL home. Hogan was given CPR for over 30 minutes before being pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital; authorities found no signs of foul play (People.com, New York Post, ESPN.com, Fox News).
He is survived by his wife Sky Daily, children Nick and Brooke, and leaves a legacy as a pop culture icon who transformed wrestling into an international phenomenon (EW.com, Indiatimes, New York Post).

🚫 What Is Kratom—and Why Is It in the Headlines?

Origins & Traditional Uses

Kratom (from Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, notably Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Since at least the 19th century—and likely centuries before—laborers in these regions chewed or brewed its leaves as a mild stimulant to relieve fatigue and muscle soreness. It was also used as a traditional herbal remedy for respiratory issues, diarrhea, pain, and to taper off opium dependence (Wikipedia). At low doses, kratom serves as a stimulant; at higher doses, it produces opioid‑like sedative effects via active compounds mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine (Healthline).

Rise in the U.S. & Health Risks

Kratom’s usage in the U.S. has ballooned in recent years, with an estimated 2–15 million users. Initially marketed as a natural pain reliever or way to ease opioid withdrawal, Kratom lacks FDA approval and remains unregulated at the federal level (Verywell Health). The opioid epidemic made it popular in the United States. The lack of regulations increases risks as the industry creates synthetic versions and produces compounds with doses significantly exceeding the natural availability of its active ingredients in their native leaf form.

Health agencies warn of serious risks including: liver toxicity, seizures, psychosis, addiction, cardiovascular effects, contamination with heavy metals or salmonella, and death, especially when combined with other substances (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). The FDA has issued warnings—notably against OPMS Black Liquid Kratom due to links to severe illness and death (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).

Concentrated kratom extracts and kratom-infused energy or tonic drinks (e.g. marketed as alternatives to alcohol) pose additional risks and have sparked further regulatory scrutiny and state bans (Wikipedia).

✅ Wrap-Up

Hulk Hogan’s death was due to long-standing cardiac and medical complications, not kratom.
Kratom, while traditional in origin, is an unregulated botanical product in the U.S., linked to health risks and even deaths in some cases.
If consumers are considering kratom supplements or energy beverages, especially those labeled with concentrated extract or opioid-like claims, they should approach cautiously—and consult medical professionals.
Headlines conflating kratom with Hogan’s passing are inaccurate and unsupported by facts.

Here are known energy drinks and other kratom-containing products legally available in the United States, largely promoted in wellness or sober-curious circles:

🧃 Kratom-Infused Beverages & Energy Shots

White Rabbit Kratom Seltzer / Energy Drink

A line of kratom-infused, caffeine‑free seltzers and energy drinks (flavors include MangoBerry, Watermelon Candy, Cherry Bomb, Raspberry Lemonade, Root Beer) offered in ready‑to‑drink cans. Marketed as botanical energy alternatives with consistent kratom extracts. (whiterabbitenergy.com)

K-Tropix Energy Kratom Shot

A concentrated 15 mL shot formulated for energy and focus, combining pure kratom with ingredients like TeaCrine® and Dynamine®. Contains ~100 mg kratom per bottle; lab‑tested. Available across U.S. markets. (Seattle Met)

Kingdom Kratom Formula 2 Extract Shot

A potent full‑spectrum kratom extract energy shot (10 mL; ~150 mg mitragynine), delivering mood-enhancing and energizing effects. Designed for clean energy without caffeine crash. (Seattle Met)

Vivazen Authentic Original Kratom Shot

A convenient two‑serving kratom shot positioned as a value option with energy, focus, and mood benefits—no caffeine crash. Popular in wellness circles. (Seattle Met)

Super Speciosa White Maeng Da / Kava Kratom Shot

As a powder: Super Speciosa White Maeng Da Kratom Powder (~2400 mg per serving), marketed for energy, mood, and focus. (Seattle Met)
As a drink: Super Speciosa Kava Kratom Shot, a blend of kratom and kava for relaxed focus. (Portland Monthly)

Kratom Country Shots & Powders

Green Kali Maeng Da Kratom Powder: balance of clarity, energy, and motivation. (Seattle Met)
Red Thai Kratom Shot: a fast-acting liquid shot (~150 mg) offering energy and mood lift. (Portland Monthly)

Koi Kratom Liquid Shots

Marketed as refreshing, energy‑focused flavor shots; part of top‑5 kratom drinks for focus and vitality. (Portland Monthly)

Slingshot Liquid Kratom Extract Shot

A 120 mg mitragynine extract shot known for clean energy delivery; highlighted among best kratom energy drinks of 2025. (Lost Coast Outpost)

✅ Other Kratom "Wellness" Beverages (Non‑Caffeinated/Specialty)

Feel Free (by Botanic Tonics)

A wellness-style tonic sold as an alcohol alternative, combining kratom and kava. Marketed for mood and wellness, sometimes mistakenly seen as a mild social drink. Users have reported dependence and withdrawal symptoms. It’s available in the U.S., particularly in health‑food and lifestyle stores. (The Guardian)

Mitra‑9 & Other Brands

Companies like Mitra‑9 offer kratom and kava seltzers and drink mixes, available online and in wellness shops. These often position kratom as part of plant-based energy or relaxation drinks. (Mitra9)

🔍 At a Glance: Known Kratom Drinks in U.S. Market

Brand / Product	Format	Key Features
White Rabbit Kratom Seltzer	Canned seltzer drinks	Caffeine-free, multiple fruit flavors
K‑Tropix Energy Kratom Shot	Liquid shot (15 mL)	~100 mg kratom + stimulants
Kingdom Kratom Formula 2 Extract Shot	Liquid shot (10 mL)	~150 mg mitragynine
Vivazen Kratom Shot	Liquid shot (2 servings)	Focus/mood, no caffeine crash
Super Speciosa White Maeng Da / Kava	Powder or shot	Powder ~2400 mg, kava hybrid shots
Kratom Country Green & Red Shots	Powder or shot	Focused energy or relaxation variants
Slingshot Liquid Kratom Extract Shot	Liquid shot (~120 mg)	Clean energy shot
Koi Kratom Liquid Shots	Flavor shots	Flavor-focused energy/wellness
Feel Free (Botanic Tonics)	Wellness tonic (bottle)	Kratom + kava tonic marketed sober use
Mitra‑9 Seltzers & Drink Mixes	Seltzers & powdered mixes	Kratom/kava wellness drinks

⚠️ Safety & Regulation Notes

Kratom is unregulated at the federal level, but is already banned in a few states like AL, AR, IN, RI, VT, and WI. (whiterabbitenergy.com, whiterabbitenergy.com, Seattle Met, Authentic Kratom, Portland Monthly, Lost Coast Outpost, The Guardian, Wikipedia, Mitra9, Wikipedia)
FDA has issued warnings about kratom products marketed for medical use, and concerns remain around contamination, potency variability, and addiction risk. (Wikipedia)
Combining kratom with stimulants (e.g., in energy drink format) is under-studied and potentially risky, especially when mixed with caffeine or other stimulants. (Authentic Kratom, Your Health Magazine)

There are documented medical reports linking kratom to cardiovascular issues, ranging from elevated heart rate and blood pressure to rare but serious conditions.

Common Cardiovascular Symptoms

Medical and toxicology reviews have identified tachycardia (fast heart rate) and hypertension (high blood pressure) as the most frequently reported cardiovascular adverse effects, occurring in approximately 30% and 12% of cases respectively in kratom users (PMC).

These findings are supported by observational data and poison center reports, where users often experienced elevated heart rate and high blood pressure after kratom consumption (PubMed, PsychiatryOnline).

Emerging Case Reports & Clinical Findings

1. Acute Right Ventricular Dysfunction

A case published just 3 days ago described a patient suffering acute right ventricular heart failure associated with heavy kratom use, expanding the known clinical complications linked to the herb (JACC).

2. Acquired Brugada Syndrome

Another recent report (from about 3 weeks ago) connects chronic kratom intake to acquired Brugada syndrome — a dangerous cardiac rhythm disturbance. The proposed mechanism involves kratom alkaloids inhibiting myocardial potassium channels, which disrupts normal electrical signaling in the heart (ScienceDirect).

3. Reversible Brugada Pattern and QT Prolongation

There are documented instances of QTc prolongation and transient Brugada ECG patterns resolving upon cessation of kratom use, suggesting direct cardiotoxic potential from certain kratom extracts (ScienceDirect).

Broader Evidence: Reviews & Clinical Studies

A cardiovascular function study involving regular kratom users reported altered autonomic activity indicative of potential heart stress or dysfunction; in vitro data on mitragynine (a primary kratom alkaloid) similarly suggested possible risks to heart function (PeerJ).

Narrative reviews also note a spectrum of cardiac concerns: tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, prolonged QTc, myocarditis, cardiomegaly, and in rare cases, cardiopulmonary arrest (PubMed).

Are These Direct Effects or Coincidental?

Many of the severe cardiac cases occurred in high-dose or concentrated kratom extract users, particularly those using products with elevated levels of 7‑hydroxymitragynine, the more potent metabolite often found in energy drinks or extracts (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
The FDA has warned about OPMS Black Liquid Kratom and similar products for causing unpredictable and sometimes fatal reactions, although those are often linked to multiple factors beyond just heart effects (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).

✅ Summary: Kratom & Heart Health

Issue	Evidence & Findings
Common Effects	Tachycardia (~30%), hypertension (~12%) in user reports
Electrical Disturbances	QT prolongation, Brugada ECG abnormalities
Severe Impacts	Rare cases of heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy
Dose Dependence	Elevated risk with high doses and concentrated products
Safety Enforcement	FDA warnings about unapproved kratom products, especially extracts

Bottom Line: Kratom is associated with a broad range of cardiovascular effects—many mild to moderate and dose-dependent—but medical literature and recent case reports confirm that serious, potentially life‑threatening heart issues can occur, especially with chronic or heavy use of potent extracts. Individuals with existing heart conditions or those using kratom for energy should consult a medical professional before use.

Kratom Energy Drinks and the late Hulk Hogan

There is no public evidence indicating that Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) ever consumed kratom-infused energy drinks or supplements.

⚡️ Did Hulk Hogan Ever Drink Energy Drinks?

Yes, in the past, Hogan endorsed an energy drink brand—Hogan Energy, distributed by Socko Energy. It was launched circa 2006 with his name and likeness. That product contained approximately 160 mg of caffeine per 16-oz can, about the same as other mainstream energy drinks of the era (BevNET, Wikipedia).
That was a coffee-based caffeinated beverage, not a kratom product. There's no indication that he ever promoted or consumed kratom-based supplements or drinks.

🧃 Hogan’s Lifestyle & Substance Use

In interviews and profiles (e.g. Men’s Health, People.com, Muscle & Health), Hogan described quitting alcohol and opioid prescription painkillers around 2023, and later adopting a regimen of organic foods, CBD, and clean hydration. He did not mention kratom (People.com).
He explicitly focused on sobriety, wellness drinks like CBD tonics, and staying off stimulants beyond what he needed for fitness; energy drinks were not part of his later routine (Muscle and Health, People.com).

✅ Summary Table

Topic	Available Info
Kratom use by Hogan?	No evidence or reports he used kratom products
Energy drinks endorsed?	Yes—Hogan Energy (caffeinated, no kratom) in 2000s
Public health habits	Shifted from alcohol and pain meds to organic diet and CBD

So while he did endorse a mainstream caffeinated energy drink in the past, there’s no credible link between Hulk Hogan and kratom—consumption or endorsement.

Here’s what’s publicly known:

Was Hulk Hogan Addicted to Opioids like Oxycodone or Prescription Pain Meds during the opioid epidemic in the USA?

Yes, according to his own accounts:

Hulk Hogan (Terry Gene Bollea) revealed in interviews that he developed a serious addiction to prescription pain pills, particularly following a series of around 25 surgeries over approximately a decade—including back, knee, hip, shoulder, and facial procedures. He described getting into a “vicious cycle,” where pharmacies would refill his opioid prescriptions even after his acute pain had subsided.(People.com)
Hogan described a turning point when he realized he no longer needed the medication, though his routine pharmacy refills made it difficult to break from pain medication dependence.(People.com, Best Life)

🧪 Fentanyl and escalating opioid use:

In a discussion on The Joe Rogan Experience, Hogan said he was prescribed fentanyl when his tolerance to morphine got high. He described experiencing severe reactions—such as waking up injured from violent sleep—and recounted that “they almost killed me with that stuff.”(UNILAD)

📋 Summary: Prescription Pain Med Addiction

Topic	Key Details
Surgical history	~25 surgeries over 10 years for wrestling-related injuries
Pain medication use	Chronic opioid use, including oxycodone and fentanyl
Described experience	A “vicious cycle” of dependence; pharmacy refills enabled continued use
Recovery efforts	Hogan eventually chose sobriety and switched to CBD for pain management

🕊 Conclusion

Yes—Hogan publicly acknowledged an addiction to prescription opioids, including oxycodone and fentanyl, stemming from the severe physical toll of his wrestling career. He spoke candidly about how enduring pain and repeated surgeries led him into dependence on pain meds, and how he eventually got sober and found alternatives like CBD.(The Daily Beast, People.com). He never mentioned Kratom, which was advertised at the time as a "natural" substance to cope with opioid withdrawal symptons.The Daily Beast

Now we know a little more. RIP to the greatest.

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