WWE HOFer Ric Flair Blames Hulk Hogan's Death On 'Street Drugs'
Ric Flair has claimed that fellow WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan's death could be a result of the illegal pain medication that he used.
Hogan, who passed away earlier this year due to a cardiac arrest, had undergone several surgeries over the last few years. In a recent appearance on "Doubl3 Coverage" podcast, Flair stated that Hogan was in tremendous pain and was taking pain medication. But, after doctors stopped prescribing the medication, Hogan reportedly bought "street drugs" to deal with his pain.
"I talked to him the day before he died," he began. "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 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, in all due conscience. So they went and got the drugs off the street. His body just said, 'You know what? Bingo. I can't do it anymore.' Sad."
After the podcast aired, Flair issued a clarification on his social media, saying that he was only stating facts that had been told to him by Hogan's family. He added that he did not want to demean Hogan with his comments, reiterating that he believes Hogan, along with Steve Austin, was the biggest star in pro wrestling history.
There Seems To Be Some Controversy Over My Remarks That Street Drugs Killed Hulk Hogan. I Only Was Repeating What I Know To Be A Fact Through Family Members. After 11 Back Surgeries, Hip Replacements, Knee Replacements, Shoulder Replacement, And Two Neck Surgeries, I Am Sure The... pic.twitter.com/bVIPTgZfGe
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) November 28, 2025
While the initial diagnosis regarding Hogan's death was cardiac arrest, reports later revealed that "The Hulkster" was also battling cancer, which many have questioned, including Hogan's daughter, Brooke. Since Hogan's passing, there have been allegations of medical malpractice that allegedly contributed to his death. Hogan's widow, Sky Daily, was also rumored to be pursuing a lawsuit against Hogan's doctor over medical malpractice.