WWE Hall of Famer Abdullah The Butcher, aged 84, has recently been hospitalized due to serious health complications but is now reported to be awake, recovering, and in good spirits, according to his official team and close wrestling sources.
Abdullah The Butcher’s Current Health Status
Abdullah The Butcher, real name Lawrence Shreve, was admitted to hospital on October 24, 2025, following two strokes, the first occurring on October 18 while he was a passenger in a vehicle. He then suffered a second stroke after the initial hospitalization. Despite these serious events, recent updates from the Book Pro Wrestlers Twitter account, which is closely linked to his inner circle, have given fans hopeful news. A photo shared on October 28 shows Abdullah smiling in his hospital bed, with his team confirming that he is “awake, recovering, smiling, and in great spirits” as of that evening[2][3][4][5].
While Abdullah faces lingering effects including slurred speech and weakness in his left leg and arm, sources indicate that his condition has improved significantly over the past week. Wrestling reporter Bill Apter, who recently spoke with Shreve, noted that his slurred speech “sounded pretty good,” reflecting ongoing progress with therapy[3]. An insider close to the situation shared, “Though the road ahead is challenging, Abdullah’s fighting spirit remains strong, and his family and friends are rallying around him with unwavering support.” This aligns with the sentiment conveyed by Abdullah’s wife, Queen Malikica, who has been by his side throughout his recovery[6].
A Storied Career Spanning Seven Decades
Abdullah The Butcher’s wrestling career began in 1958 when he debuted at the age of 17. Known for his brutal hardcore wrestling style, which earned him a notorious reputation in the ring, his career spanned an incredible seven decades. He competed globally, with notable stints in World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico and All Japan Pro Wrestling. Abdullah’s most memorable feuds included battles with legends like Bruiser Brody, the Funk brothers (Dory and Terry), and Giant Baba[2].
Throughout his career, Abdullah was revered for his violent matches involving foreign objects and his fearsome persona, which left a permanent mark on professional wrestling worldwide. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s most iconic figures[1][2][3].
Previous Health and Financial Struggles
Abdullah The Butcher has faced a series of health and financial challenges in recent years. In July 2024, he was hospitalized due to intestinal issues, prompting his godchild, Esa, to launch a GoFundMe campaign to assist with his medical expenses[1]. Additionally, Abdullah was involved in a legal battle resulting from a former wrestler’s lawsuit alleging improper precautions during a hardcore match, which was covered in the “Dark Side of The Ring” documentary series. These circumstances strained his finances considerably, with reports from 2022 describing him as living day-to-day financially[3].
Despite these hardships, Abdullah expressed during interviews in 2023 that he was feeling better than he had in years and even entertained the idea of a retirement match, inspired by the success of Ric Flair’s late-career farewell bouts[3].
Support from the Wrestling Community
Many figures in the wrestling industry, including Diamond Dallas Page and Chris Jericho, have stepped forward to offer assistance and support for Abdullah during his medical struggles. This collective effort highlights the respect and affection the wrestling community holds for the hardcore legend. Fans worldwide have also been encouraged to send prayers and positive messages to Abdullah as he continues to rehabilitate[1][5].
A WWE insider told us, “Abdullah is a warrior inside and outside the ring. Even now, his mentality is about fighting and healing. Everyone around him is hopeful, and his impact on wrestling history keeps the community united in support.”
What Lies Ahead for Abdullah The Butcher?
While the latest updates on Abdullah’s health provide a welcome relief, they also emphasize the long journey ahead. Strokes at his age are serious, and rehabilitation involving physical therapy for speech and motor function is crucial. Abdullah’s family and medical team remain cautiously optimistic, promoting patience and continued care.
Fans and peers alike are urged to maintain support and prayers for the legendary wrestler’s full recovery. His resilience and fighting spirit remain a beacon of hope not only for himself but for fans who have cherished his contributions to professional wrestling for decades.
Key Takeaways:
- Abdullah The Butcher suffered two strokes in October 2025 but is now awake, smiling, and recovering well[2][3][4][5].
- Despite slurred speech and weakness on his left side, his condition shows improvement and is monitored closely by his team[3][4].
- His historic wrestling career spanned over 70 years, with a reputation as one of the most brutal and unforgettable performers in the industry[2].
- He has faced medical and financial difficulties in recent years but continues to receive strong community and family support[1][3].
- Ongoing recovery efforts will focus heavily on rehabilitation, with hopes that his warrior spirit can carry him toward further improvements.
As the wrestling world watches and waits, Abdullah The Butcher’s legacy and his courage continue to inspire.