Hulk Hogan’s Death at 71: Ric Flair Pays Emotional Tribute to Wrestling Legend
The wrestling world is in mourning following the shocking passing of iconic WWE legend Hulk Hogan at the age of 71, as confirmed by TMZ Sports on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The news has sent shockwaves through fans globally, with fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair taking to X to share a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and rival, shedding light on their deep personal bond that transcended the ring.
Ric Flair’s Emotional Farewell to Hulk HoganIn a poignant post on X, Ric Flair expressed his disbelief and sorrow over Hogan’s death, 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. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!” Flair recounted Hogan’s unwavering support during his darkest hours, including visiting him in the hospital when he had only a 2% chance of survival and lending financial aid during the illness of Flair’s son, Reid.The post, accompanied by images of the two legends together—both in casual settings and in their iconic in-ring showdowns—highlights a friendship that defied their public rivalry. This duality captivated millions, with their WCW matches in the 1990s drawing peak viewerships of 6.6 million for WCW Nitro, outpacing WWF, according to historical Nielsen ratings.Hulk Hogan’s Lasting Legacy in Professional WrestlingHulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, transformed professional wrestling into a global phenomenon with his "Hulkamania" craze, ignited after defeating the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984. His signature bandana, handlebar mustache, and larger-than-life persona became cultural icons, influencing generations of fans and wrestlers alike. Hogan’s memorable bouts, including his match against Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania X8 and his legendary face-off with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, remain etched in wrestling history.Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the NWO, Hogan’s impact is undeniable. A 2019 study from the Journal of Sport and Social Issues notes how staged rivalries, like that between Hogan and Flair, often mask genuine off-screen alliances, boosting fan engagement and shaping the sport’s narrative.Fan Reactions and Tributes Pour InFollowing Flair’s post, fans and peers flooded X with tributes. Nathan @WookieMindTrix
wrote, “Hulkamania Will Live Forever!” while sharing a iconic image of Hogan tearing his shirt. Others, like @matti927
, recalled personal encounters, noting, “He was a good guy… talked with me [and] my kids for 15 minutes signed anything we wanted.” The outpouring of grief underscores Hogan’s role as a beloved figure beyond the squared circle.What Led to Hogan’s Passing?TMZ reported that rumors of Hogan’s declining health surfaced last month, linked to complications from a neck procedure in May. Despite hopes of recovery, the wrestling icon succumbed, leaving behind a legacy that redefined family entertainment in sports. WWE has yet to release an official statement, but the wrestling community is bracing for a significant loss.
