WWE Hall of Famer Fred Ottman Back Home Following Hospitalization & Surgery

As previously reported, WWE Hall of Famer Fred Ottman, aka Tugboat/Typhon/Shockmaster, was recently hospitalized after suffering a life-threatening gallbladder rupture that required almost a month of hospitalization and surgery. Ottman shared a health update regarding his recovery earlier today via his Facebook account, revealing that he’s now back home following his surgery.

Fred Ottman, best known to wrestling fans as WWE Hall of Famer Typhoon, has shared a detailed health update following a life-threatening gallbladder rupture that required nearly a month of hospitalization. He confirmed he is preparing for surgery scheduled on February 23 after a pre-operative consultation.

Ottman stated in the video, “They released me from the hospital yesterday. They kept me in the hospital for an extra couple days for observation because the surgery was pretty tough, but I’m home with my beautiful wife Sheila. And I got home healthcare coming in and checking on me today. And then will become the road to recovery, which ought to take a while, I believe.

He continued, “But I just wanted to keep you guys in the loop, and thanks for all the prayers and all the thoughts and everything and the cards and letters that have been sent to me. God bless you, each and every one. I really appreciate the support.” He added, “You know, you’re my extended family. So I just wanted to keep you in here. All right, I love you, and I won’t bother you no more. Have a great day.”

Fred Ottman Back Home After Recent Hospitalization

Ottman was previously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 as part of The Natural Disasters, alongside his late tag team partner, Earthquake (aka John Tenta). The tag team became WWE Tag Team Champions, winning the titles in July 1992.

On behalf of 411, we send our best wishes to Fred Ottman for his recovery. You can view the clip of his announcement below: