Ric Flair on Thursday shared his emotional reaction to the news of Hulk Hogan’s death.
News came out on Thursday that Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest. Flair, who was one of the other biggest personalities in the wrestling world at the time of Hogan’s popularity, wrote a post on social media about the late wrestler, whom he called a “close friend.”
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick.
Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!” Flair wrote on X.
I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When… pic.twitter.com/rOWLakMjr4
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 24, 2025
Flair, 76, was five years older than Hogan. Their wrestling careers overlapped, and the two were rivals in WCW, and later WWE. Though they had their differences and disagreements as they were among the most popular performers in the wrestling world, they were able to mend matters and become friends over the last decade.
Hogan had even referred to Flair as the “greatest wrestler of all time,” putting himself second in that conversation.
