Ric Flair breaks down in interview just after Hulk Hogan's death
Ric Flair spoke with TMZ shortly after Hulk Hogan's cardiac arrest death and struggled to keep himself together as he poured out the emotions of losing the fellow former WWE superstar.
'People always wanted to paint us as enemies, but we were actually very, very close friends,' Flair told TMZ on Thursday shortly after Hogan's death.
4 Ric Flair was emotional discussing Hulk Hogan's death.
TMZ Sports
Flair and Hogan's paths frequently crossed in their wrestling careers — as the most iconic stars of their era — both in then-WWF and WCW.
While Flair's iconic tag team partner was Ricky Steamboat, and he and Hogan were typically rivals, Flair and Hogan still teamed up from time to time.
'We had magic,' Flair said. 'It wasn't like me and Steamboat, but we just had a chemistry that was, I felt like, equal to me and Steamboat but in a different way … Unbelievable relationship.'
Flair shared numerous memories, including a time Hogan lent Flair money and wouldn't allow him to pay it back.
Flair detailed a time when Hogan was one of Flair's first visitors in the hospital after his near-death medical emergency a couple years ago.
4 Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan in 2009 before the Hulkamania Tour in Australia.
Getty Images
'How do you forget things like that?' Flair said.
Flair's daughter, Charlotte, also recounted this on X: 'When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan.'
4 Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan in a 2009 match.
Getty Images
Flair also shared his remembrance for his friend on X.
'I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend,' Flair posted to X on Thursday. '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.
4 Hulk Hogan died at 71 years old on Thursday.
AP
'He Was Always 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 With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!'
Hogan was 71 years old.
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