In a shocking revelation that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has opened up about the tragic circumstances surrounding Hulk Hogan's untimely death. During an emotional discussion on the Doubl3 Coverage podcast, Flair detailed how Hogan's extensive medical struggles and unbearable pain ultimately led him down a dangerous path.
The Painful Truth Behind Hogan's Final Years
According to Flair's heartfelt account, the legendary wrestler endured extreme physical discomfort following numerous surgical procedures. The medical challenges Hogan faced were staggering: 11 back surgeries, hip replacements, knee replacements, shoulder replacement, and two neck surgeries left the icon in constant agony.
Flair explained that when Hogan's doctors could no longer prescribe pain medications under medical guidelines, the wrestling superstar was left with limited options. "What killed him was street drugs," Flair revealed during the podcast. "When the doctor wouldn't prescribe anymore. He was in so much pain, then he had that neck surgery, and it got infected, so back in the hospital... His body just said, 'You know what? Bingo, I can't do it anymore.'"
Flair's Emotional Defense on Social Media
Following his initial comments, Flair took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his statements amid growing controversy. "There Seems To Be Some Controversy Over My Remarks That Street Drugs Killed Hulk Hogan," he wrote in a detailed post.
The WWE legend emphasized that he was only repeating information he had received from family members close to Hogan. "After 11 Back Surgeries, Hip Replacements, Knee Replacements, Shoulder Replacement, And Two Neck Surgeries, I Am Sure The Pain Was Unbearable," Flair continued. "A Doctor As I Know Can Only Prescribe So Much Pain Medication Under Medical Guidelines."
Flair made it clear that his intention was never to damage Hogan's legacy, describing his late friend as "one of the two biggest stars in the industry, himself and Steve Austin." He concluded his emotional statement with "Hulkamania Forever!" - a touching tribute to his fallen comrade.
The Broader Conversation About Wrestling's Physical Toll
Flair's revelations have reignited important discussions about the long-term physical consequences of professional wrestling. The demanding nature of the sport, with its high-impact moves and rigorous schedule, often leaves athletes with chronic pain and mobility issues that persist long after their in-ring careers end.
What makes Hogan's situation particularly tragic, according to Flair, is that his turn to street drugs wasn't a character flaw but a desperate response to unbearable suffering. "I've been told that all they did was to help him not to hurt him," Flair explained, suggesting that those close to Hogan were trying to provide relief rather than enable addiction.
The wrestling community has been revisiting Hogan's storied career in light of these revelations, considering both his monumental contributions to WWE and the sobering reality of the sport's grueling physical demands. Flair's candid account serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the entertainment that millions of fans enjoy worldwide.
