Ric Flair Gets Candid About Health Scare After Hulk Hogan News — “It Gives Me Anxiety That I Could Be Next” 😳
Wrestling legend Ric Flair is no stranger to adversity, but even “The Nature Boy” admits that the recent death of his longtime friend and fellow icon Hulk Hogan has left him deeply unsettled. Speaking candidly on “The Ariel Helwani Show” this week, Flair, 76, reflected on his own mortality and the toll that decades in the wrestling business have taken on his body and mind.
Wrestling Icons: Friendship and Rivalry
Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan defined an era in professional wrestling, captivating fans as both rivals and allies across WWE, WCW, and TNA. Their friendship, forged in the fire of countless battles, endured well beyond their days in the ring.
Flair revealed that he last spoke with Hogan just two weeks before Hogan’s passing, sharing a FaceTime conversation that, in hindsight, took on new significance. “I had no idea how serious things had gotten,” Flair admitted. “I spoke to Jimmy Hart the day before Hulk passed, and everything seemed normal.”
Facing Mortality: “Am I Next?”
Despite his own history of serious health issues—including a very public battle with skin cancer—Flair says he currently feels good physically. “Here I am, five years older than Hulk, and I don’t hurt at all,” he told Helwani. “I’ve had some serious health issues, but I don’t have an ache or pain in my body.”
Yet, Hogan’s death has stirred up a new kind of anxiety for Flair. “Of course, it gives me anxiety — like, am I next?” he said with a nervous laugh. “So I’m grateful any time I get to talk about how great Hulk was and reflect on his legacy with you guys. It’s an honor.”
Health Challenges and Resilience
Flair’s health struggles have been well documented. In June, he revealed he was battling skin cancer for the second time in three years. Just last week, he shared the good news that he is now cancer-free, crediting his doctors and the support of those around him for his recovery.
“I feel great following the treatment,” Flair said, emphasizing that he doesn’t take his good days for granted.
Remembering Hulk Hogan
Flair spoke with admiration and empathy about Hogan’s long battle with health issues. “I think he just got tired. He went through 11 back surgeries, hip replacements, neck surgery — how much can one body take? We’ve all pushed ourselves beyond the limit in this business,” Flair reflected.
The physical demands of wrestling have left many of its stars with lifelong injuries and health complications. Flair’s comments underscore the price that comes with a lifetime in the spotlight—and the bonds formed among those who share that journey.
Gratitude and Legacy
As Flair continues to navigate his own health journey, he’s more aware than ever of the fragility of life. “It gives me anxiety that I could be next,” he reiterated, “but I’m just grateful for every opportunity to celebrate my friends, my career, and the fans who’ve supported us all these years.”
Ric Flair’s openness about his fears and gratitude offers a poignant reminder: even legends are human, and every day is a chance to honor the past while looking forward to the future.