Ric Flair, who survived cancer with just a 2% chance, recalls when Hulk Hogan lent him money

WWE legend Ric Flair took to X (formerly Twitter) today to pay tribute to his longtime friend Hulk Hogan, hours after reports claimed the wrestling icon had died of a heart attack.

"I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @hulkhogan!" Flair wrote.
"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 I didn’t ask. He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside."


Flair also revealed that Hogan had financially supported him during one of the toughest times of his life.
"When my son Reid was sick, Hulk lent me money without hesitation. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you. Rest in peace, my friend," he added.

The heartfelt tribute comes just a day after Flair announced he was officially cancer-free, following a skin cancer diagnosis in June.


Meanwhile, WWE confirmed Hogan’s death in a statement posted on social media: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Widely considered the most iconic figure in professional wrestling history, Hulk Hogan—born Terry Bollea in 1953—shot to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. He later transitioned into films and reality TV.

Hogan initially joined the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1979 but left in 1981. He returned to headline the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 at Madison Square Garden, teaming with Mr. T to defeat Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.

Beyond wrestling, Hogan became a pop culture staple, starring in family comedies like Mr. Nanny and Suburban Commando.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and again in 2020 as part of the legendary New World Order (NWO). However, his legacy suffered a major blow in 2015 when a leaked tape surfaced in which he used racist language. WWE terminated his contract and removed him from the Hall of Fame.

In 2018, Hogan was reinstated after WWE said he deserved a second chance. More recently, he had drawn headlines for attending Donald Trump’s political rallies.