WWE Legend Fred Ottman Faces Health Challenges

WWE icon Fred Ottman, famously known as Typhoon in the wrestling world, recently shared insights into his health struggles that led to a prolonged hospital stay last month. Ottman, a former professional wrestler, revealed that he was hospitalized for approximately 30 days, assuring his fans, family, and loved ones that while he is doing better, his health journey is not over yet.

Ottman, while attending ToyCon 2020 at the Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, described his ordeal, stating, “Unfortunately, my gallbladder exploded inside me, releasing toxins throughout my body.” He continued, “I’ve been bedridden for 30 days. Thankfully, my medical team, including my surgeons, has been incredible. The infection was severe, and if I had delayed even a day, the doctors informed my wife that I might not have survived or been able to communicate with you.”

Despite the difficult experience, Ottman expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m here, though I’ve lost a significant amount of muscle mass and had various other challenges. It’s been a brutal fight, including relearning how to walk.”

Several former wrestling stars, including members of the tag team Demolition and Bryan Clark, extended their support and well wishes to Ottman via Instagram.

Fred Ottman, at the age of 69, began his professional wrestling career in 1985 under the name Sigfried, initially performing for Championship Wrestling in Georgia. He later moved through various wrestling territories before debuting as Tugboat in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1989. In 1991, Ottman was rebranded as Typhoon, becoming one half of the iconic tag team known as The Natural Disasters alongside Earthquake. He briefly joined World Championship Wrestling as The Shockmaster in 1993 and 1994 before another tenure in the WWF.

After his final WWF appearance in 1994, Ottman continued wrestling and was notably featured in a 20-man battle royal at WrestleMania 17. Last year, he and his tag team partner Earthquake were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, celebrating their contributions to the sport.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.