Ric Flair Claims Street Drugs Led to Hulk Hogan’s Downfall

Ric Flair, a celebrated WWE Hall of Famer, has publicly addressed the tragic circumstances surrounding Hulk Hogan’s struggles with drugs. Flair revealed that Hogan, the iconic wrestler, succumbed to “street drugs” after his prescribed pain medications were halted.

The Painful Journey of Hulk Hogan

Flair, who closely interacted with Hogan, shared insights into his friend’s prolonged battle with pain. This pain was primarily a result of multiple surgeries on his back and joints. On the eve of Hogan’s passing, Flair stated, “I talked to him the day before he died.”

The Impact of Medical Decisions

According to Flair, Hogan’s downward spiral began when his doctors could no longer provide him with pain relief medications. “What killed him was street drugs,” Flair noted. He explained how Hogan, facing immense pain compounded by complications from neck surgery and a series of other surgeries, sought relief from illicit sources.

• Hogan had undergone at least 10 back surgeries.
• He experienced two knee surgeries and two hip surgeries.
• The aftermath of these surgeries left him in extreme discomfort.

Flair expressed that Hogan’s reliance on street drugs was a direct response to the cessation of prescribed medications. “His body just said, You know what? Bingo, I can’t do it anymore,” he lamented.

Reflections on the Wrestling Industry

Flair contemplated the rigorous and often damaging nature of the wrestling business. He credited one of Hogan’s signature moves, dropping the leg, as a significant factor contributing to the athlete’s long-term injury issues. “Dropping the legs jabbed his bones. That’s what did it,” he explained.

Flair also emphasized the physical toll that wrestling inflicts on its performers. He referred to the alarming number of serious injuries among wrestlers, particularly in recent years. “In the last 10 years, we’ve had seven broken necks,” he stated, underscoring the sport’s risks.

Concerns for Fellow Wrestlers

Flair expressed sorrow for other wrestlers facing health challenges. He noted that friend Mike Rotunda is currently “real sick” and mentioned that his best friend, Joe Gomez, recently suffered a stroke. He urged caution regarding the use of steroids and growth hormones in modern athletic training, highlighting the danger they pose.

• Steroids can enhance muscle growth but not ligament strength.
• Risks of serious injuries increase due to this discrepancy.

Flair shared his personal experience with performance enhancers, maintaining that he used them minimally. He warned about the potential dangers of improper training and drug use within the wrestling profession.

As Flair reflects on the legacies of wrestling legends like Hogan, he remains hopeful for the well-being of his fellow wrestlers. “I just hope to live another day,” he concluded, urging fans to remember those who continue to struggle in a demanding profession.