In a moment of profound loss for the wrestling world, Ric Flair has shared his personal devastation following the death of his close friend and fellow icon, Hulk Hogan, who died Thursday at the age of 71.
Flair posted an emotional tribute on social media shortly after the news broke, capturing the shock felt by many.
“I was absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend Hulk Hogan,” Flair wrote. “Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when…”
The sentiment from Flair underscores a friendship that started when both men were breaking into the business, long before they became global superstars. He remembered Hogan as “an incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father,” giving a deeply personal dimension to a public tragedy.
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
The Passing of an Icon
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on the morning of July 24, 2025. Emergency responders were called to his residence for an apparent cardiac arrest, with WWE confirming the news in an official statement soon after.
The news was particularly jarring given the events of the preceding weeks. Despite persistent rumors of a serious health decline following a neck surgery in May, Hogan’s inner circle presented a positive front. On July 22, his friend Jimmy Hart insisted Hogan was “doing phenomenal.”
Hogan himself remained active in the public eye. He made a memorable appearance at the Republican National Convention on July 18, and his final social media post on July 23 promoted his “Real American Beer” brand.