Former WWE Intercontinental Champion and wrestling veteran Marc Mero has shared an “incredible” piece of positive news following a recent health scare. In a lengthy post on social media today, February 18, 2026, Mero opened up about going through a concerning heart health scare related to an “enlarged aorta” and the potential for “possible surgery.”
Mero, 65, has a history of heart issues, having undergone a procedure to replace a heart valve in 2016 at the Cleveland Clinic. The valve he received is a bovine valve, which typically requires replacement every 10 to 15 years. During a routine echocardiogram six weeks ago, doctors became concerned that his aorta looked enlarged, which would have required immediate surgical intervention.
“Sharing some incredible news. Six weeks ago I had an echocardiogram as part of my routine follow-up on the heart valve I had replaced in 2016 at the Cleveland Clinic… During that echo, they thought my aorta looked enlarged and might need immediate attention. That got my attention. Dr. Karim at Gwinnett Northside Hospital wanted a clearer picture, so I had a CT scan three weeks ago,” Mero wrote.
Opening up on the gravity of the situation, Mero reflected on how the incident was only known by a few close people, including his wife, Malissa. He described the period of waiting for results as “quiet” and “heavy,” noting that the prospect of having his chest opened for another procedure was a sobering thought.
“I kept this pretty quiet. Only Malissa, close family, and a few friends knew. The seriousness of this wasn’t something I took lightly. When you hear words like “enlarged aorta” and “possible surgery,” it changes the air in the room. It’s sobering to know that one appointment, one conversation, could determine whether you’re facing another open-heart procedure,” Mero shared.
However, after a follow-up appointment to review the CT scan results, Mero received the best possible news. His doctor confirmed that his valve is still functioning perfectly and that no repair is needed for his aorta. This news comes just two months before Mero and his wife are scheduled to go on their long-awaited honeymoon.
“When Dr. Karim walked in, he was his usual upbeat self. We shook hands, made small talk, and inside I’m thinking, just tell me. What do I need to do? Then he smiled and said, ‘The CT scan shows your valve is still functioning great. We do not need to repair your aorta. Keep doing exactly what you’re doing. You’re in excellent condition,‘” Mero stated.
The former “Marvelous” Marc Mero expressed deep gratitude for the outcome, stating that he and Malissa “thank God for answered prayers.” Mero has remained active in recent years through his motivational speaking and his “Champion of Choices” program, which he continues to lead across the country.