69-Year-Old WWE Legend Undergoes Vascular Surgery

Fred Ottman, known by his ring names Typhoon and Tugboat, recently underwent vascular surgery to address a problem related to his vascular system.

The 69-year-old former WWE superstar is on the road to recovery and receiving strong support from fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Ottman gained fame wrestling in the Stamford-based promotion from 1989 to 1994, including a stint as the infamous Shockmaster character in WCW. He made his mark as part of the tag team The Natural Disasters alongside John Tenta (Earthquake).

His surgery was announced on September 5, 2025, and former Women’s Champion Leilani Kai shared updates, asking fans for prayers and support. She posted a heartfelt message on social media expressing her admiration and concern for Fred Ottman during his vascular surgery.

“Today, my dear friend and wrestling brother Fred Ottman [who fans know as Tugboat, Typhoon, and of course, The Shockmaster] is undergoing vascular surgery. Fred has given so much of himself to this business, both in the ring and outside of it. He’s always been larger than life, but what I love most is his heart. He has a way of making everyone around him feel cared for, and that’s something truly special.”

She asked fans to keep Fred and his wife Sheila in their thoughts and prayers as he undergoes surgery. Leilani emphasized how much Fred has given to professional wrestling and wished him a safe surgery with a strong recovery ahead.

I want to ask all of you to please lift Fred and his wife Sheila up in your thoughts and prayers today. Sheila has been right by his side through everything, and I know your love and support will mean the world to both of them.

Wishing my friend a safe surgery and a strong recovery. We’re all pulling for you, Fred.

Typhoon Was Inducted into This Year’s WWE Hall of Fame

Typhoon was inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 alongside his Natural Disasters tag team partner John Tenta (Earthquake). The induction ceremony took place during WrestleMania weekend on April 18, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sadly, John Tenta passed away from cancer in 2006, so Ottman represented the duo during the event.