WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has issued a new statement on his official Facebook page, addressing the controversy surrounding his recent comments surrounding the death of fellow icon Hulk Hogan. Flair recently claimed that Hogan had turned to “street drugs” after being cut off from prescribed pain medications, prompting backlash.
Flair’s comments initially surfaced during an appearance on Doubl3 Coverage, where he discussed Hogan’s long struggle with chronic pain following numerous surgeries. Flair said Hogan’s debilitating health led to an increased reliance on pain medication and eventual desperation when doctors could no longer prescribe stronger doses under medical guidelines.
Flair recalled his final conversation with Hogan and describing the pain he says the WWE icon was living with in his final days. Flair said, “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 it 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 to conscience, right? So they went and got the drugs off the street. His body just said, ‘You know what? Bingo, I can’t do it anymore.’”
Addressing the Controversy
Flair clarified that he did not intend to demean Hogan or his legacy, explaining that his information came directly from Hogan’s family members. The Nature Boy emphasized that he was only repeating what he had been told and expressed regret if his comments were misunderstood.
“There seems to be some controversy over my remarks that street drugs killed Hulk Hogan,” Flair wrote. “I was only repeating what I know to be a fact through family members… This was not an attempt to demean Hulk Hogan or his legacy. I have always referred to him as one of the two biggest stars in the industry, alongside Steve Austin. Hulkamania forever.”
The longtime friends shared decades of history as rivals and legends within WWE. Flair continues to honor Hogan’s contributions, calling him a “friend and a man I respected.”