The sudden passing of Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, has sent shockwaves through the world of professional wrestling and pop culture. At 71, the larger-than-life figure who defined an era of sports entertainment reportedly suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
The heartbreaking news has left fans, fellow wrestlers, and celebrities reeling, as tributes pour in for the man who became synonymous with charisma, grit, and “Hulkamania.”
Ric Flair, another iconic star of the era, broke down while discussing his friendship with Hogan.
“People always wanted to paint us as enemies, but we were actually very, very close friends,” said Flair, who was just treated for Melanoma.
#RicFlair spoke with TMZ about #HulkHogan in the minutes after the wrestling legend’s death … and he got super emotional remembering his good friend.#Exclusive story at the HERE: https://t.co/1s5PTQxHO9 pic.twitter.com/ssxjKjKi4T
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) July 24, 2025
“We had magic,” Flair told TMZ. “It wasn’t like me and Steamboat, but we just had a chemistry that was, I felt like, equal to me and Steamboat but in a different way … Unbelievable relationship.”
(Ricky Steamboat was Flair’s storied rival.)
Flair shared more details of how good a friend Hogan had been to him over the years in a statement 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,” Flair wrote. “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!”
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’s daughter, Charlotte Flair, echoed her father’s sentiments in a post on X:
“When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.”
When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan.
My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke.
Rest in peace, brother
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) July 24, 2025
Hogan’s family posted a statement on his Instagram page announcing his passing.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend,” the post said. “Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.
“At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
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Author: Tom Tillison
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