In a heartwarming announcement, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair announced that he was “now cancer free” after a brutal battle against the disease, according to his friend Anthony Maurizio. While the celebrity initially denied his diagnosis, he confirmed the rumors and announced an upcoming surgery in June, while expressing gratitude for public support.
For context, Flair was known as Nature Boy, and he is a 16-time World Champion and a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee. His recent social media posts were full of resilience and displayed a humble appreciation for fans’ prayers during his battle with cancer.
In any case, Flair initially denied rampant social media rumors about his health, saying, “I’m sorry people have been misled by social media, but I don’t have cancer of any kind. Thank you for your concerns and for everyone reaching out. I am absolutely fine, and unfortunately, you’ll have to live and put up with me for another 25 years!”
However, several weeks later, FLair confirmed the rumors when he announced his recovery, saying, “Thank you, Academic Alliance in Dermatology! I’m Now Cancer Free! WOOOOO! Thank You To Everyone Who Has Reached Out & For All The Thoughts And Prayers! It Means A Lot To Me. I Will Get Through My Health Issues And Be Stronger Than Ever!”
Unfortunately, this story has been overshadowed by another tragic story from the world of wrestling. Hulk Hogan, WWE superstar and a famous Trump supporter, was found dead in his home on July 24, 2025. Reacting to the loss of a co-worker and friend, Flair took to social media to express his regrets.
Expressing his shock at the sudden loss, Flair posted, “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!”
Continuing his condolences, Flair added, “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! 🙏🏻”
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Rick Flair has had several health scares, such as when his decades of alcoholism led to kidney failure and near congestive heart failure. Hospitalized with stomach pains, he was given a 20% chance of survival and placed in a medically induced coma.
Explaining the situation, Flair said, “I crashed in an airplane and broke my back, I’ve been hit by lightning. But this is totally different. Anything I’ve been through before is nothing like this. It scared the s— out of me, but I’m not out of the woods yet.”
Adding more context, Flair stated, “I didn’t think I was an alcoholic, but obviously I was. I never drank when I was working, but as soon as work was over, I went right to the mill. I’ve never taken a pain pill in my life. I’d just take a shower, flip my hair back and go to the best bar in town.” However, after going through the scare, the wrestler realized he had to make a change, saying, “I’ll never drink again. I never want to go through this again.”