Ric Flair at 75 Questions His Own Survival After Hulk Hogan's Death: Inside the Health Crisis He Hid

Wrestling icon Ric Flair, 75, has expressed shock and grief following the sudden death of his long-time friend and fellow WWE legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away on 24 July 2025 in Clearwater, Florida. Hogan, 71, reportedly suffered cardiac arrest. Flair's emotional reaction was shared on social media and in interviews, where he recalled their history and reflected on his own recent battle with skin cancer.

Flair Calls Hogan's Death a 'Shock': Long-Time Rivalry Turned Friendship

Ric Flair took to X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the news of Hulk Hogan's passing broke, writing:

'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... 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'.

The message highlighted not only their shared wrestling legacy but also a genuine friendship that blossomed after years of professional rivalry in WWE and WCW. Flair's daughter, Charlotte Flair, also paid tribute, sharing a message about her father's relationship with Hogan.

How Flair's Near-Death Experience Informed His Response to Hogan's Death

Ric Flair's shock over Hogan's death was underscored by his own medical history. In 2017, Flair was placed in a medically induced coma and given just a 20% chance to live after suffering multiple organ failure. Hogan was reportedly among the first to visit him in hospital, praying by his bedside and offering support during his months-long recovery.

While Flair never explicitly questioned his own survival in public statements, the emotional tone of his posts and interviews suggests deep reflection. His tribute drew comparisons between his own health scares and Hogan's unexpected passing, leading many fans to interpret a quiet sense of survivor's guilt in his words.

Flair's 2025 Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Private Battle

Adding another layer to the story, Flair revealed in June 2025 that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. In a rare moment of vulnerability, he posted a message on X asking fans to pray for him ahead of surgery. The diagnosis had been kept private for several weeks before becoming public knowledge.

Just two days before Hogan's death, Flair announced that he was officially cancer-free.

'Thank You Academic Alliance In Dermatology! I'm Now Cancer Free! WOOOOO!' he wrote on Instagram, celebrating the news with a photo of himself in a hospital, flashing his trademark smile.

The timing of these events — Flair's health victory and Hogan's passing — added emotional weight to his online tributes.

Wrestling Community Mourns One Legend, Celebrates Another's Survival

Public reaction to Hogan's death and Flair's tribute was immediate. On platforms like Reddit and X, fans expressed disbelief that Ric Flair, often referred to as 'the dirtiest player in the game', had survived so many close calls while Hogan passed unexpectedly.

Wrestling circles also acknowledged Flair's continued resilience. Despite past medical scares, Flair remains active with his podcast To Be the Man, his Wooooo! Energy drink, and his cannabis line Ric Flair Drip, reflecting his ongoing presence in both entertainment and entrepreneurship.