The ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair has been dealing with some medical issues over the past few years, and it looks like another one has crept up.
It’s another scary day in the wrestling world, as one of the most legendary superstars in the history of professional wrestling is once again dealing with a medical issue. TMZ reports that Ric Flair is in the hospital right now, rushed there Thursday morning.
The only report available on Flair’s condition is currently TMZ’s, but they are saying the situation is “very serious;” specifics are unknown at this point. Flair just recently celebrated his 70th birthday. He was in the Atlanta area on Thursday, when, per TMZ, “something went wrong,” forcing him to go to the hospital with this issue.
We have not heard about what the “issue” is or his current condition at the time of writing.
Update: Conrad Thompson, Flair’s son-in-law and organizer of the Starrcast II, addressed Flair’s health during his already-scheduled media call on Thursday afternoon. The good news (via Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp) is that it’s not as serious a situation as TMZ first appeared to report:
He stated that Flair and the family knew the procedure was coming and he could have had it before or after Vegas, and wanted to feel good for Starrcast
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) May 16, 2019
Conrad Thompson says the Ric Flair situation "is not as grave or serious" as TMZ makes it out, and says that this was a planned procedure that Ric Flair wanted to have before Las Vegas.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) May 16, 2019
Update x2: TMZ spoke with Flair’s wife, Wendy Barlow, and the news is very good:
"“Due to ongoing health complications, Ric was taken to the hospital and is expected to undergo a procedure tomorrow morning, after which he expects to fully recovery.”"
Flair had another serious medical issue in 2007, when he was placed in a medically-induced coma following an intestinal rupture. The entire wrestling community was waiting with baited breath, hoping to get good news on his condition. He eventually recovered, and until this point seemed to be back in good health.
This might have long-reaching consequences. Charlotte Flair will be in one of the main events of Sunday’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view even against Becky Lynch. Charlotte has been extremely close with her father on television as of late, and if he doesn’t bounce back quickly the WWE might have to find a replacement in her match with Lynch.
We hope for the best for Flair. He’s been through some major issues before, and he’s pulled through. Let’s hope this is another situation like that and the Nature Boy is back in a ring styling and profiling, as great as ever.