WWE Hall of Famer Typhoon Details Harrowing Health Scare
Retired wrestling icon Fred Ottman, famously known as Typhoon during his World Wrestling Federation career, has opened up about a terrifying brush with death that left him hospitalized for over a month. The 69-year-old Hall of Famer shared his emotional story in a recent Instagram video, revealing the severity of his medical emergency.
A Life-Threatening Infection
Ottman disclosed that his gallbladder ruptured, leading to a dangerous infection that spread throughout his entire body. The situation became so critical that doctors informed his wife, Sheila, that there was a high probability he might not survive. "If I would have waited one more day, the doctors told me I probably wouldn't be here with you, be able to talk to you guys," Ottman revealed in the heartfelt video.
The former WWF Tag Team Champion was rushed to hospital where he underwent dialysis treatment to filter toxins from his blood. This life-sustaining intervention was necessary for a period as his body fought the aggressive infection.
Grueling Recovery Process
Since the infection took hold, Ottman has been bedridden and described his recovery as both slow and grueling. The health crisis has caused significant physical changes, with the retired wrestler losing a substantial amount of weight and muscle mass. "I've lost a lot of muscle mass. It's been a brutal fight," Ottman admitted. "I've been learning how to walk again."
Despite the challenges, Ottman maintains a positive outlook. "I'm not out of the woods yet, but Monday afternoon they are going to let me out of here," he shared optimistically. He expressed gratitude for his support system, saying, "Thank God, I've got a good wife. I've got great friends. My wrestling buddies are just amazing."
Wrestling Career Legacy
Fred Ottman enjoyed a notable wrestling career spanning multiple promotions and personas:
- He first gained recognition in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) from 1989 to 1993
- Initially debuted as Tugboat, a heroic character aligned with Hulk Hogan
- In 1991, he turned villainous and was rebranded as Typhoon, teaming with Earthquake as The Natural Disasters
- The Natural Disasters captured the WWF Tag Team Championship in July 1992
- After leaving WWF, he wrestled briefly in World Championship Wrestling as The Shockmaster
- He retired from active competition in the early 2000s
- In 2006, he and Earthquake were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame
Ottman's health update has resonated throughout the wrestling community, with fans and colleagues expressing support for the beloved performer during his difficult recovery journey.
