Ric Flair claims Hulk Hogan turned to illegal drugs after doctors stopped prescribing him pain medication.
During a recent appearance on the Doubl3 Coverage podcast, the Nature Boy spoke in detail about his close friend’s death. Flair said he talked to Hogan a day before his passing, noting that the Hulkster “was in so much pain” in his final days.
“I talked to him the day before he died,” he said. “… 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 that neck surgery, and it got infected, so back in the hospital, mentioned 10 back surgeries, two knees, two hips, all this.
“When the doctor would not prescribe any more pain medicine. They just couldn’t do it all due conscious, right? Yeah, so they went and got their drugs off the street, his body just said, ‘You know what? Bingo, I can’t do it anymore.’” [H/T: WrestlingNews.Co]
Ric Flair clarifies comments regarding Hulk Hogan’s death
Shortly after the interview aired, Ric Flair took to social media to clarify his claim that Hulk Hogan died because of substance abuse. The former multi-time World Champion said he was simply reiterating what had already been known among Hogan’s family.
“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 Pain Was Unbearable. A Doctor As I Know Can Only Prescribe So Much Pain Medication Under Medical Guidelines.
“I’ve Been Told That All They Did Was To Help Him Not To Hurt Him. To Help Him Get Through The Night And The Pain. Eventually That Catches Up With You As We Know With Everybody. He Was My Friend, A Man I Respected, And I’m Only Reporting What I’ve Been Told. Nothing More, Nothing Less.
“This Was Not An Attempt To Demean Hulk Hogan Or His Legacy. I Have Always Referred To Him As Being One Of The Two Biggest Stars In The Industry, Himself And Steve Austin. I Apologize If People Misunderstood My Statement. Hulkamania Forever!”
Hulk Hogan passed away in July after a prolonged battle with health complications. The WWE Hall of Famer was laid to rest in a private memorial service. Hogan’s widow, Sky Daily, claimed his health had worsened due to a botched medical procedure in the months leading up to his death.
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