Jimmy Hart, Hulk Hogan’s longtime friend and former manager, was shocked to learn about the wrestling icon's death after receiving a positive update the day before his passing.

Hulk Hogan's close friend Jimmy Hart talks exclusively to PEOPLE about the WWE star's health in his final days and reflects on his friendship, after Hogan's death on Thursday, July 24.

Hogan's management and family denied the claims. The wrestler's wife, Sky Daily, said at the time that he'd only undergone neck surgery. His friend, former WWE personality and longtime in-character manager Jimmy Hart, insisted in a post that Hogan had recently been singing karaoke. The post has now been removed.

Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend, faced numerous health challenges in his final days, including heart issues and severe fatigue. He sought reconciliation with estranged family members before passing a