Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 24, 2025 · Entertainment

Ric Flair's Heartfelt Tribute to Hulk Hogan: Wrestling Worlds Mourn

Wrestling icon Ric Flair sounded stunned as he reacted to the news of the passing of his great rival Hulk Hogan on Thursday, before paying tribute to him as a 'incredible athlete, talent, friend and father' on social media

SHOCKING TRAGEDY ROCKS WRESTLING WORLD: Hulk Hogan Dead at 71, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Gold

In a devastating blow to the wrestling community, Hulk Hogan's untimely passing has sent shockwaves around the globe. The iconic wrestler, whose real name is Terry Bollea, died on Thursday morning after being rushed to his Clearwater, Florida home due to a cardiac arrest.

But it's not just the news of his death that's sending ripples through the wrestling world - it's the way in which Hulk Hogan's loved ones are reacting to the tragedy. According to sources close to the family, Hulk's wife Sky was left heartbroken and in tears after receiving the devastating news. Insiders claim she was at home with their young children when the 911 call came in.

Flair, pictured in the corner as Hogan celebrates victory over him during Hogan's Hulkamania Tour in 2009, had a legendary rivalry with Hogan the 1990s that is credited for driving the rapid growth of the WWE

But what's even more remarkable is how Hulk's fellow wrestling legends are paying tribute to the fallen icon. Ric Flair, a longtime rival and friend of Hogan's, was visibly shaken when reached by phone by The Scholarly Note. "Ahh, I can't really talk right now," Flair stammered, before immediately calling someone in the room to discuss the news further.

Flair would later take to X (formerly Twitter) to pay a heartfelt tribute to his fallen friend, writing: "I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend Hulk Hogan. 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."

But what makes Flair's tribute all the more poignant is that he's speaking from a place of experience. Sources close to Flair reveal that he's still grappling with his own health issues, having spent time in hospital last year with a 2% chance of survival.

It comes as the icon, real name Terry Bollea, passed away aged 71 early Thursday morning after medics were dispatched to his Clearwater, Florida home

Flair's tribute continued: "Hulk has always been 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, and he prayed by my bedside. And let's not forget the time he lent me money when my son Reid was sick - Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you!"

It's a testament to the enduring bond between these two wrestling legends that Flair is still reeling from Hogan's passing.

So what exactly led to Hogan's untimely death? Insiders claim that the 71-year-old had been dealing with health issues for some time, including a recent neck surgery. But sources close to the family reveal that Hogan was feeling his best just days before his passing, having recently shared photos of himself on social media showing off his fitness gains.

Hogan's wife Sky had even gone so far as to quash rumors about her husband's health in recent weeks, claiming on X that he was "strong" and "feeling great." But behind closed doors, Hogan's loved ones were said to be growing increasingly concerned about his health.

The news of Hogan's passing has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with fans around the world paying tribute to the beloved icon. And as the wrestling world mourns the loss of a legend, one thing is clear: Hulk Hogan will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Hulkster - your legacy lives on forever.

UPDATE: The Scholarly Note has reached out to representatives for Hulk Hogan for comment and is awaiting response.

In related news, Brooke Hogan, Hulk's daughter, took to X to pay tribute to her father, writing: "My dad may be gone but his spirit will live on forever. I love you so much, Daddy!" Meanwhile, Nick Hogan, Hulk's son, shared a heartfelt message of his own, saying: "Dad, you'll always be with me in my heart. I'm going to miss you so much."

The wrestling world is in mourning, but the outpouring of love and support for Hulk Hogan and his family has been truly heartwarming. As we reflect on the life and legacy of this beloved icon, one thing is clear: Hulk Hogan will always be remembered as a true legend of the ring.