Physical Toll & Recovery

The toll on Ottman’s body has been significant:

• He spent roughly a month bedridden, losing a notable amount of muscle mass.

• Ottman has been learning to walk again as part of his rehab following the prolonged hospital stay.

• The infection also impacted his kidneys, putting him at risk of needing dialysis at one point; temporary dialysis was used during treatment, though it’s not expected to be permanent.

Ottman is expected to be discharged soon and continue his recovery at home, including follow-up surgery later this month to remove drainage equipment related to the infection.

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Support and Outlook

Throughout the ordeal, Ottman has expressed deep gratitude for the support of his wife Sheila, family, close friends, fellow wrestlers, and his medical team. Despite the severity of his condition, he remains optimistic about his path forward, stating he’s “not finished yet” and plans to get stronger and continue improving.

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 Background & Recent History

Fred Ottman is a long-time pro wrestling star, remembered for roles such as:

• Tugboat — popular ally of Hulk Hogan.

• Typhoon — one half of The Natural Disasters tag team, which held the WWF Tag Team Championships in the early 1990s.

• The Shockmaster — a character from WCW remembered for its infamous debut.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2025 as part of The Natural Disasters alongside his late partner John Tenta.

Earlier in 2025, Ottman also underwent vascular surgery, prompting public messages of support from friends in the wrestling community.

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 Summary

Fred Ottman’s recent health battle was extremely serious and nearly fatal, but thanks to prompt medical care and support, he is now on the road to recovery. While he faces ongoing challenges — including physical rehabilitation and at least one more surgical procedure — the legendary wrestler is focused on regaining his strength and health with the encouragement of fans and loved ones around the world.