They were rivals in the ring, but brothers behind the scenes. Hours after news broke of Hulk Hogan’s death, Ric Flair was brought to tears as he remembered the man he called his closest friend.
Ric Flair was overcome with emotion as he reflected on the loss of fellow wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who died of cardiac arrest in Florida. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer spoke with TMZ shortly after the news broke, breaking down in tears as he remembered the man he called one of his closest friends.
“I just talked to Jimmy Hart yesterday,” Flair said, referring to Hogan’s longtime manager, and revealed that he told him he “was fine.” Though they spent years facing off in the ring, Flair said the public perception of their rivalry didn’t reflect the reality of their bond.
“We were actually very, very close friends,” he said. “We kept up with each other on a regular basis.” As he sobbed, he added, “To have this happen is just horrible.” Flair recalled the chemistry they shared during their careers. “We had magic,” he said.
Beyond their wrestling careers, Flair described a friendship that extended well beyond the spotlight. “We’ve done signings together,” adding that they also did Hard Rock appearances. “I’ve been out to his bar for karaoke,” he said.
Flair also shared personal memories that spoke to Hogan’s character. He recalled a time when Hogan lent him money and refused to let him repay it. And when Flair faced a near-death health scare a few years ago, Hogan was one of the first people to visit him in the hospital. “How do you forget things like that?” Flair said, still visibly shaken by the loss.
As Flair’s emotional tribute to Hogan spread online, fans responded with an outpouring of support and shared grief. Many were struck by the rawness of Flair’s reaction and the depth of the friendship between the two wrestling legends.
“Ric is hurting for real and it’s really sad to see. That’s brotherly love,” one fan wrote, reacting to footage of Flair breaking down during the interview. Another added, “Ric Flair just shows how much friendship behind the scenes and beyond the wrestling industry really matters.”
Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair become involved in an altercation during a press conference for ‘Hulkamania – Let The Battle Begin’ at Star City on November 18, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Some emphasized the enduring bond between the two icons despite past controversies. “True Friends. Over the recent years they have tried to rip Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair down so much. These people are above that and will always be immortal,” one comment read.
Others pointed to the powerful connection forged through decades in the ring. “You can feel Ric’s pain even though they were rivals in the fight! Two great professionals and genuine who made the world wrestling great [sic].”
As tributes continue to pour in, Flair’s public grief has served as a reminder of the strong ties formed beyond the spotlight of professional wrestling.
We previously reported that Hogan died at 71 on July 24, 2025, following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. The WWE icon’s sudden passing ends a transformative career that redefined the sport and left a permanent mark on global entertainment.
According to TMZ Sports, emergency responders were dispatched to Hulk Hogan’s Florida residence around dawn on Thursday. He was carried into an ambulance shortly afterward.
This sudden event comes months after Hogan underwent a successful “little fusion procedure” in May to find some relief for his neck issues. According to a representative, the wrestling star didn’t need much recovery time and was making a “quick turnaround.”
Hogan was no stranger to surgeries. In 2024, he even revealed to Logan Paul on the “Impaulsive” podcast that he’d gone through as many as 25 procedures in the previous decade. “I’ve had 10 back surgeries,” he added. “Both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”
Unfortunately, several rumors about his condition had circulated since, especially after he was hospitalized for neck issues.
On June 18, local radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge claimed on air that Hogan’s health was so dire that family members were being called to say their goodbyes.
While he acknowledged that his source might be outdated, he vehemently trusted this insider. Naturally, the statement sparked widespread concern.
TMZ Sports quickly pushed back on the report, citing a representative who said Hogan wasn’t “close to death” and had only been hospitalized for lingering neck and back issues. According to the rep, the wrestling star was already moving around again and managing the same ailments he had dealt with for years.
Additionally, a few weeks ago, his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, had refuted claims that Hogan was in a coma, adding that even after several heart surgeries, he was doing well.
The news comes as a heavy blow to fans, especially with the launch of the new Real American Freestyle league expected this summer.
He had also partnered with brands like Real American Beer, which recently shared an image of a Hogan beach towel on the sand with the caption, “Beach day sponsored by brotherhood.”
Hulk Hogan changed the face of professional wrestling with his wild personality, turning it into a family sport that reached wider audiences. He was adored by children and their parents alike. Eventually, he made it into Hollywood.
In the 1990s, he appeared in the film “Thunder in Paradise” and its two sequels. Furthermore, in 1996, he created the New World Order, which earned him more fame.
In the 2000s, Hogan and his family, including ex-wife Linda Hogan and his children, Brooke and Nick Hogan, starred in the reality television show “Hogan Knows Best.” He even played a janitor in his daughter’s music video for “Everything to Me.”
Still, he always remained a fixture for the WWE. At this time, we offer our sincere condolences to Hogan’s loved ones and his fans all over the world.
Ric Flair pins Hulk Hogan during his Hulkamania Tour at the Burswood Dome on November 24, 2009 in Perth, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Beyond their wrestling careers, Flair described a friendship that extended well beyond the spotlight. “We’ve done signings together,” adding that they also did Hard Rock appearances. “I’ve been out to his bar for karaoke,” he said.
Flair also shared personal memories that spoke to Hogan’s character. He recalled a time when Hogan lent him money and refused to let him repay it. And when Flair faced a near-death health scare a few years ago, Hogan was one of the first people to visit him in the hospital. “How do you forget things like that?” Flair said, still visibly shaken by the loss.
