WWE icon Ric Flair broke down in tears remembering fellow wrestling legend Hulk Hogan after his tragic death aged 71.
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Florida home.
TMZ SPORTSRic Flair broke down in tears when discussing the death of Hulk Hogan[/caption]
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Florida home
Hogan was treated at his home before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital where he later died, according to a police report.
Now his long-time friend and fellow wrestler Flair, 76, has paid tribute in an emotional video.
Breaking down in tears in an interview with TMZ, Flair said: “People always wanted to paint us as enemies, but we were actually really close friends.
“We kept up with each other on a regular basis. I just talked to Jimmy Hart [Hogan’s manager] yesterday and he said he was fine. To have this happen it’s horrible”.
Adding: “Everybody wants to take a shot at Hulk but he doesn’t deserve it. You know, people make mistakes.”
Reminiscing Hogan’s attitude on life, Hogan joked with a smile on his face: “One thing about Hulk, and I’ve never forgotten it.
“He used to say to me: ‘It’s not about who was the hardest worker it’s about who makes the most money’.”
Flair even opened up on how Hogan helped him out financially while his late son Reid was battling addiction in a rehabilitation center.
Shutterstock EditorialFlair and Hogan were close friends after spending years wrestling together[/caption]
He said: “My son went to six rehabs and my insurance didn’t cover rehabs.
“So Hulk leant me money one time to keep him in rehab and to keep him on life support. I’ve never forgot that.
“I went to pay him back and he said: ‘You never have to pay me back, I’m here for you’.”
Flair also revealed that Hulk was one of the first people to visit him when he was in hospital.
He also labelled Hogan as “arguably, along with Steve Austin, the biggest star in the history of wrestling”.
Flair was just one of a huge number of stars that have paid tribute to Hogan.
While President Donald Trump paid tribute to Hogan in a Truth Social post, writing, “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’
“Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.
“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week.
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Donald Trump paid tribute to Hogan on Truth SocialGetty Images – Getty
X/DanScavinoHogan and Donald Trump backstage during the 2024 RNC[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
