WWE Hall of Famer Fred Ottman is still fighting his way back after a life-threatening medical emergency — and he’s not done with surgeries just yet.
Ottman, known to fans as Typhoon, Tugboat, and The Shockmaster, recently revealed that his gallbladder ruptured and “exploded,” sending poison into his system and causing a severe infection. The situation was so serious that doctors reportedly told his wife that if he had waited one more day to seek treatment, he likely would not have survived.
After spending roughly 30 days bedridden in a St. Petersburg, Florida hospital, Ottman was discharged on February 9, 2026. But while he’s now recovering at home, he is not out of danger.
Ottman has a pre-surgery consultation scheduled for February 16 and is set to undergo another operation on February 23. The upcoming procedure will involve removing a drainage bag that was required as part of his emergency treatment. It’s a necessary step in his recovery, but it also means he’s still in the middle of a serious medical battle.
The infection from the ruptured gallbladder spread throughout his body and also affected his kidneys, nearly forcing him onto dialysis. The physical toll has been significant. The 69-year-old legend has lost considerable muscle mass during his hospital stay and is currently learning to walk again with the assistance of a walker.
In a recent Instagram, Ottman thanked fans for their support while acknowledging how difficult the recovery has been.
“I just want to thank everybody for all the well wishes and everybody that’s been there for me and everything,” Ottman said. “Trying to occupy my mind training as far as walking, learning to walk again with this walker and all that stuff… It’s very frustrating sometimes. But some of you that’s been there know what the deal is.”
Ottman was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2025 alongside his late tag team partner John Tenta as The Natural Disasters. Now, instead of battling opponents in the ring, he’s focused on making it through another surgery and rebuilding his strength step by step.
With the February 23 procedure approaching, all eyes are on Ottman’s continued recovery. Do you think this surgery will mark the turning point in his comeback, and what message would you send to him right now? Leave your thoughts and well wishes in the comments below.