Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan helped revolutionize wrestling in the 1970s and 1980s, by thrusting the WWE (back then known as the WWF) into the spotlight.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Wrestling icon, Richard Morgan Fliehr popularly known as Ric Flair, has expressed sadness over the death of his colleague and good friend, Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan.
Speaking in an emotional statement released while grieving the late wrestler on X, Flair labelled him “an incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father”
TheNiche had earlier reported that Hulk Hogan passed away on Thursday at the age of 71.
He died after he was taken from his home on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance to an hospital following a call to first responders that he had suffered cardiac arrest.
Confirming his demise, WWE in a statement wrote, “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.”
ALSO READ: Wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan dies after suffering cardiac arrest
Speaking after the news of Hogan’s death made the rounds, Flair acknowledged that they started “wrestling business” together.
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend Hulk Hogan,” Flair wrote on his verified social media handle.
“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 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!”
Flair, who has been hospitalized a number of times in recent years due to various health issues, added that Hogan would show up and be there for him, even when it looked like the end was near.
The two stars helped revolutionize wrestling in the 1970s and 1980s, where they thrusted the WWE (back then known as the WWF) into the spotlight.
They had countless matches and feuds with one another inside the ring, but they remained good friends away from it.
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