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Ric Flair Clarifies Comments About Hulk Hogan’s Cause Of Death

By John Canton • Published Nov 29, 2025 11:30 EST
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Ric Flair had more to say about what caused Hulk Hogan’s death.

There was shocking news on July 24th when it was reported that two-time WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan passed away at 71. Hogan’s real name was Terry Bollea.

Following his death, it was reported that Hogan died from an acute myocardial infarction, also called a heart attack. Hogan had a history of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart condition wherein an individual experiences an irregular and rapid heart rate.

There were also records showing that Hogan had previously suffered from leukemia, CLL, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells.

About two months before his death, Hulk Hogan had neck surgery. Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, had previously stated that Hogan’s phrenic nerve had been “compromised” during the surgery, which affected his ability to breathe.

During an appearance on the Double3 Coverage podcast, fellow 2-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, who was a close friend of Hogan, claimed that street drugs were a reason why Hogan died.

“I talked to him the day before he died. I shouldn’t say this, but what killed him was street drugs.

When the doctor wouldn’t prescribe anymore — he was in so much pain. Then he had a neck surgery and got infected. So back in the hospital… imagine 10 back surgeries, two knees, two hips, all this.

And then when the doctor would not prescribe any more pain medicine — they just couldn’t do it, all due conscience, right? Yeah. So they went and got the drugs off the street. His body just said, ‘You know what? Bingo. I can’t do it anymore.’”

Ric Flair Issues Statement About “Street Drugs” Claim

Since Ric Flair’s comments about Hogan using street drugs likely upset some people, The Nature Boy went on social media to deliver one of his ALL CAPS statements to apologize if people misunderstood what he meant.

There Seems To Be Some Controversy Over My Remarks That Street Drugs Killed Hulk Hogan. I Only Was Repeating What I Know To Be A Fact Through Family Members. After 11 Back Surgeries, Hip Replacements, Knee Replacements, Shoulder Replacement, And Two Neck Surgeries, I Am Sure The Pain Was Unbearable. A Doctor As I Know Can Only Prescribe So Much Pain Medication Under Medical Guidelines. I’ve Been Told That All They Did Was To Help Him Not To Hurt Him. To Help Him Get Through The Night And The Pain. Eventually That Catches Up With You As We Know With Everybody.

He Was My Friend, A Man I Respected, And I’m Only Reporting What I’ve Been Told. Nothing More, Nothing Less. This Was Not An Attempt To Demean Hulk Hogan Or His Legacy. I Have Always Referred To Him As Being One Of The Two Biggest Stars In The Industry, Himself And Steve Austin. I Apologize If People Misunderstood My Statement. Hulkamania Forever!

Following Hulk Hogan’s death, WWE paid tribute to the wrestling legend on its television shows. Hogan’s final televised WWE appearance was on the first Raw of the year from Los Angeles as the company celebrated its Netflix debut.

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